The Government of Canada Announces Funding for the City of Val D'Or
VAL D'OR, January 24, 2003 -- Guy St-Julien, Member of Parliament (Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced $60,000 in funding for the City of Val d'Or, to help finance its 2003-2004 performing arts program."The City of Val d'Or has become one of northwestern Quebec's largest performing arts venues," said Mr. St-Julien. "Its highly diverse programming offers local citizens invaluable access to the richness of Canadian culture. We are pleased to support the City of Val d'Or and its remarkable work in improving the quality of life for citizens of the Abitibi region."
The funds will help the City of Val d'Or launch several initiatives to increase access to the arts for local residents, particularly with respect to song, theatre, jazz, and dance. The municipality, in conjunction with local schools, also hopes to increase its youth audience through awareness activities aimed at teachers and specialized youth animators. In 2003-2004, more than 50 shows will be staged, several featuring artists from other Canadian provinces.
The City of Val d'Or's Cultural Department has played a major role in showcasing the arts in the Abitibi region for more than 30 years. The Carrefour auditorium and Félix-Leclerc performance hall are the main performing arts locations managed by the municipality.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Arts Presentation Canada program.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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