Government of Canada Invests in The Banff Centre

BANFF, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Jan. 7, 2011) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose), today announced multi-year funding for The Banff Centre.

Over the next three years, this funding will support The Banff Centre Presenting Series, a multidisciplinary showcase of contemporary performing, media, and literary arts. The Banff Centre's annual series presents established and emerging artists from various disciplines including theatre, music, and family entertainment. The 2011–2012 edition will feature more than 30 performances, together with special visiting artists and children's presentations. In addition, outreach activities will engage audiences through workshops and post-performance discussions with artists.

"Our Government is pleased to provide this high-capacity arts organization with a stable source of funding for its annual presentation series," said Minister Moore. "For more than 75 years, The Banff Centre has been a vital part of Canada's arts community and a leader on the national and international cultural scene. This funding allows the organization turn its attention to what it does best: bring outstanding performances to the stage."

"The Banff Centre is an exceptional place where Canadian artists can perform, create, and develop new ideas," said Mr. Richards. "I am pleased that our Government has provided multi-year support for The Banff Centre Presenting Series and the many cultural and economic benefits it brings to the community."

"The Banff Centre's Presenting Series contributes to the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of the Bow Valley," said Mary Hofstetter, President and CEO of The Banff Centre. "This series showcases artists from across Canada, many of them Centre alumni, enabling audiences young and old to experience the inspiration of the performing arts."

The Banff Centre is an educational and cultural institution, as well as an international conference centre, overlooking the town of Banff. Founded in 1933, The Banff Centre provides professional career development and lifelong learning for artists and cultural leaders in performing, literary, new media, and visual arts. Artistic works and performances are showcased throughout the year in public concerts, exhibitions, and events, including the Banff Summer Arts Festival.

The Government of Canada will be providing funding of $373,350 over three years to support the 2011–2012, 2012–2013, and 2013–2014 seasons of The Banff Centre Presenting Series 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.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)