Government of Canada Invests in the Calgary Arts and Culture Community

June 11, 2010

On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, today announced funding for five projects in Calgary.

These projects, though different in nature and scope and delivered by a variety of organizations, all have a common goal—to provide Calgarians and Albertans with rich cultural experiences. Whether it is by showcasing the work of upcoming new artists, staging a year-long theatre series, bringing local musicians together, or hosting a world-class jazz festival, all of these organizations are contributing not only to the region’s arts community, but also to Canada’s growing reputation on the world scene.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting organizations in their continued efforts to grow the country’s arts and culture,” said Minister Moore. “We are proud of these groups and their tireless efforts in staging these important festivals.”

“Our Government is proud to support these community organizations in their ongoing efforts to provide high-quality artistic performances and presentations in Calgary,” said Lee Richardson. “Thanks to their dedication, residents of Calgary and throughout Alberta are able to experience and enjoy a multitude of Canadian and international artists and their works.”

“Canadian Heritage’s support is instrumental to the success of Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts’ High Performance Rodeo. This critical funding allows us to present local, national, and international performances that foster cultural participation and strengthen community connections,” said Erin O’Connor, Executive Director. “We are thankful for an outstanding contribution to the quality and quantity of world-class performances that will combine to produce the 25th Anniversary High Performance Rodeo.”

The Government of Canada has provided $464,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.



The following is a statement given by Lee Richardson, MP at the announcement for funding to support arts and culture in Calgary.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen,

I’m delighted to bring good news today on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and my colleague James Moore, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Our Government recognizes that arts organizations provide artists with an opportunity to express their creativity, strengthen our communities, and contribute to the quality of life of Canadians.

Thanks to our ongoing investment in arts and culture, artists and arts organizations like yours can plan their activities over a longer term and continue to create, produce, and present innovative works that will make Canadians proud.


Today, I am pleased to announce that our Government, through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, has provided $464,000 for the following five organizations:

• One Yellow Rabbit Theatre Association will receive $129,000 for the 25th High Performance Rodeo, which will take place in January 2011.
• The Folk Festival Society of Calgary will receive $120,000 for the 31st Calgary Folk Music Festival, happening this summer at Princess Island Park.
• The Calgary Centre for Performing Arts will receive $115,000 to present the 13th Annual Calgary Centre for Performing Arts Music Series. 
• The Vertigo Theatre Society will receive $50,000 to plan and present this year’s “Y Stage Series.”

And last but certainly not the least,

• The Calgary Jazz Association will receive $50,000 for “C-Jazz 2010-2011,” which will take place at the end of June.

These projects, delivered by different organizations and so different in nature and scope, all have a common goal, which is to provide us with rich cultural experiences.

Whether showcasing the work of upcoming new artists, staging a year-long theatre series, bringing local musicians together, or holding a world-class jazz festival, your organizations are helping strengthen the region’s arts community and contributing to Canada’s growing reputation on the world scene.

Congratulations to all of you on providing musical and theatrical programming that is second to none.

In closing, I want to thank the employees, committee members, and countless volunteers of all of these organizations for your tremendous contribution to arts and culture in Canada.  I wish you all a very successful season once again this year.