Government of Canada Announces Funding for Grifes
MONTRÉAL, February 16, 2003 -- Eleni Bakopanos, Member of Parliament (Ahuntsic), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced $40,000 in funding for the Groupe de Recherches Interdisciplinaires pour la Formation et l'Expression Sonore (GRIFES), to help finance its 2003-2004 programming, including the Festival des Musiques et du Monde. The organization, also known as Musique Multi-Montréal, is dedicated to developing multidisciplinary, intercultural musical activities and events."GRIFES occupies an essential niche in Canadian culture, by helping to integrate artists from cultural communities into the performing arts industry," said Ms. Bakopanos. "By introducing Canadians to the world's musical bounty, GRIFES has helped make our society even more diverse and open to the cultures of the many communities that are a part of it."
Formed in 1993, GRIFES helps strengthen ties between the performing arts, ethno-cultural organizations, artistic collectives and promoters. The organization presents world music concerts and helps expose artists from various milieus, notably through its concert series and the Festival des Musiques et du Monde. In 2003-2004, in addition to its annual festival, the organization will present a series of Musique au Bout du Monde radio programs on CBC Radio, as well as a Montréal performance of Les Indes Galantes. GRIFES will also organize a series of outdoor concerts in the Île de la Visitation Park in Montréal.
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:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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