Government of Canada Supports Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Digital Book

STRATFORD, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 14, 2012) - Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment that will allow the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to create digital content showcasing the legacy and impact of the Festival over the last sixty years.

"Our government is pleased to support and celebrate sixty years of excellence by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, which continues to draw theatre goers from all over the continent to our region," said MP Schellenberger. "Our government recognizes the importance of investing in communities, innovation and digital media, which each play an important role in bolstering economic growth in southern Ontario and across Canada."

Thanks to an investment of up to $150,000 by the Government of Canada, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, home to the largest classical repertory theatre in North America, is publishing a behind-the-scenes digital book to celebrate its sixtieth season. Coinciding with the printed publication, the digital book will be made available as a text-based eBook as well as enhanced electronic publications that will include video, images and other interactive features for mobile devices and tablets. This digital content, scheduled to be published in late summer 2012, will allow the Festival to connect to a broader audience and grow the cultural tourism industry in Stratford.

"This important federal funding will assist in our efforts to use today's digital technology to reach out to new and youthful audiences," said Antoni Cimolino, General Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. "This project will bring our work on stage and behind the scenes so vividly to life, helping us to attract patrons to our theatres and add a new dimension to our 60th season," added Artistic Director Des McAnuff.

FedDev Ontario's Prosperity Initiative encourages businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and post-secondary institutions in southern Ontario to undertake projects resulting in a more productive, diversified, and competitive economy. Applications for funding are accepted and assessed on an ongoing basis. For more information, refer to Program Guidelines on the FedDev Ontario website at www.feddevontario.gc.ca.

For more information about the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, visit: www.stratfordfestival.ca.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports southern Ontario's economy by building on the region's strengths to create opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative, and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.