Government of Canada Supports Arts Training in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Feb. 11, 2011) - The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and the School of Contemporary Dancers will continue to provide high-calibre training to dance students, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Multi-year funding was announced today by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

"Our Government recognizes the importance of investing in future generations of artists," said Minister Moore. "We are proud of our recent increase in funding for these institutions, which give the artists of tomorrow the tools they need to succeed in Canada and abroad."

"The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and the School of Contemporary Dancers are integral parts of our community," said Minister Toews. "Multi-year funding announced today will allow the schools to continue providing exceptional training to the next generation of Canadian dancers."

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School will receive $2,175,000 ($725,000 in 2011–2012, $725,000 in 2012–2013, and $725,000 in 2013–2014). This funding will help the School provide some of Canada's most promising young artists with ballet training of the highest calibre, within a supportive and positive environment.

The School of Contemporary Dancers will receive $780,000 ($260,000 in 2011–2012, $260,000 in 2012–2013, and $260,000 in 2013–2014). With this support, the School will continue to offer a full-time program of contemporary dance training that prepares young dancers for professional careers at the highest level.

The Government of Canada has provided the funding through the Canada Arts Training Fund. This fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage supports non-profit organizations whose purpose is to train Canadians planning a professional arts career nationally or internationally. Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the total budget of the Canada Arts Training Fund rose in 2009 from $17.1 million to $24.1 million per year, an increase of 41 percent.

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