Francophone Artists to Perform at Sound Symposium
ST. JOHN'S, May 11, 2004 -- The Honourable Joan Cook, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced funding for Sound Arts Initiatives. The funds will help the organization highlight traditional storytelling, dance, and fiddle music of Newfoundland's Francophone community during the international Sound Symposium music festival, to be held in St. John's this summer.Sound Symposium is a 10-day international, biennial event featuring experimental music and multi-disciplinary performances. The Francophone component of Sound Symposium 2004 will expand on a 20-year tradition - the Legacy of Émile Benoit - which focusses on the rich artistic heritage of Newfoundland's French shore.
"There could be no better time to highlight the French traditions of storytelling and fiddle music, since this year marks the 500th anniversary of the French presence in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Acadia," said Senator Cook. "I am proud that the Government of Canada supports these celebrations, which honour the memory of Émile Benoit, Newfoundland and Labrador's greatest Francophone fiddler."
"In 2004, Canadians from all over the country, and especially Acadians and Francophones from Atlantic Canada, will celebrate the Francophone heritage that the first French settlers brought to North America," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "I am pleased to pay tribute to the tremendous contribution of the Acadian community to our country's cultural heritage and our linguistic duality."
"The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is pleased to provide support to communities throughout the Atlantic region as they celebrate our rich French history and culture," said Minister McGuire. "It is an added benefit that cultural celebrations also create positive economic spin-offs for the people living and working in these communities."
Sound Arts Initiatives, an organization that coordinates several musical initiatives in the St. John's area, will receive $15,000 to produce a music and dance performance at the 2004 Sound Symposium. The project will also result in the production of a video featuring stories, music, and dance that can be presented at other festivals and broadcast on television.
Funding is provided under the Atlantic Canada Cultural and Economic Partnership, a $10-million, three-year initiative, which is funded jointly by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Partnership, in effect until March 31, 2005, will stimulate development of cultural industries and highlight the history of Atlantic Canada.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Julie Fiander
Assistant
Office of the Senator
Joan Cook
(613) 943-1051
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
for ACOA
(613) 941-7241
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