Government of Canada Supports the Huntsville Festival of the Arts

HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 22, 2011) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament (Parry Sound–Muskoka), today announced funding for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

During the summer months of 2011 and 2012, the annual Huntsville Festival of the Arts will take place at the Algonquin Theatre and a variety of locations in Huntsville, Ontario. The multidisciplinary festival program features high-calibre classical, orchestral, jazz, and folk music performances, as well as dance and theatre. The festival also encourages audience development through outreach activities such as workshops.

"Our Government is thrilled to support the Huntsville Festival of the Arts," said Minister Moore. "This festival has, for almost two decades, reflected our rich cultural diversity by offering community members and tourists the chance to experience some of our remarkable Canadian musical talent first hand."

"The Huntsville Festival of the Arts plays an important role in the cultural life of the community and is a highly anticipated yearly event," said Minister Clement. "The quality of programming and diversity of performance is second to none." 

"The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is honoured and pleased with the continued support from the Government of Canada," said Bruce Gowan, President of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts. "With this support, we will be able to continue to offer a wide range of entertainment to the Huntsville community, as well as provide venues for emerging artists to gain valuable experience."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $40,000 for fiscal years 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 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.)