Karen Kain Appointed Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts
OTTAWA, September 16, 2004 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla today announced the appointment of Karen Kain, of Toronto, Ontario, as Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts."Ms. Kain's vast experience and dedication to the arts make her an ideal choice as Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, said Minister Frulla. "I am delighted that such a distinguished artist has agreed to serve in this most important role in the interest of Canada's arts community."
Ms. Kain, a nationally and internationally renowned ballerina, received her dance training at the National Ballet School and, after graduating in 1969, joined the National Ballet of Canada. She became Principal Dancer in 1970. In 1973, she won the Silver Medal in the Woman's Competition at the 2nd International Ballet Competition in Moscow.
During her career, Ms. Kain has performed as a guest artist with most of the world's renowned ballet companies and has received many distinguished awards and honours. She has also been involved in several major film and television productions.
In 1976, Ms. Kain was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and, in 1991, she was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada. She holds honorary degrees from Toronto, York, McMaster and Trent Universities.
The Canada Council for the Arts is a national arm's-length agency which fosters the expansion of the arts in Canada through grants, services, and awards to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations, as well as administering scholarly awards. It has under its aegis the Public Lending Right Commission and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The Council reports its activities to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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