Government of Canada Supports Réseau Ontario des Arts de la Scène
OTTAWA, September 9, 2004 -- Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Vanier) Mauril Bélanger, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced funding of $100,000 for Réseau des Arts de la Scène."The Government of Canada is committed to creating access to the arts for all Canadians, and to fostering creativity, diversity and excellence," said Mr. Bélanger. "Our country's artists and cultural organizations contribute to the development of Canadian society and ensure a legacy for future generations."
"Our performing artists embody the creativity and spirit of Canadians," added Minister Frulla. "Our arts community is part of who we are; it is crucial to give our talent the opportunity to be heard. Artists play a key role in capturing and reflecting the diverse Canadian experience."
Réseau Ontario des Arts de la Scène is an umbrella organization which assists Francophone, professional performing arts presenters in Ontario. Funding will be used towards the enhancement of arts presenters' networks. This will give greater access to high quality performances to performing arts presenters' groups in northern and rural areas, ethnocultural communities, Francophones in a minority situation, and Aboriginal communities. Funding will also help performing arts presenters' organizations build capacity and create intercultural and inter-community partnerships.
The funding is provided to the Réseau Ontario des Arts de la Scène Inc. by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Arts Presentation Canada program. This program seeks to give Canadians improved access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture, through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences by performing arts presenters. This program is part of the Tomorrow Starts Today initiative, which has been renewed for a fourth year with $207 million in funding.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Orli Namian
Director of Communications
Office of Mauril Bélanger
(613) 952-4971
Saoirse Carson
Communications
Canadian Heritage
(416) 973-5400
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