Investing in the Performing Arts in Rural Ontario

HALIBURTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 22, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada has provided $40,000 to the Arts Council-Haliburton Highlands through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support the first ever Symposium for the Performing Arts in Rural Communities (SPARC). The Symposium will be held April 24 to 27, 2014, at various locations in Haliburton County.

The announcement was made today by Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover.

Quick Facts

• The Arts Council-Haliburton Highlands is a not-for-profit organization that provides a voice for the arts in Haliburton County; serves as a catalyst for community economic development through the arts; and facilitates collaborative relationships among artists, organizations, businesses and government.
• SPARC will bring together presenters, producers and creators from across Central and Eastern Ontario, as well as other regions of Canada, to discuss the business of performing arts presentation and how to grow and sustain the performing arts in rural settings.
• SPARC is expecting representatives from 130 arts and cultural organizations across Canada and the United Kingdom.
• Representatives from dance, music, theatre and media arts disciplines will participate as speakers and panellists in the discussions.

Quotes

"Millions of Canadians attend thousands of cultural events in communities of all sizes and in all parts of Canada. Today's announcement demonstrates our Government's commitment to supporting initiatives that enrich the economic and cultural life of our communities and make this country a wonderful place to live."

-Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Our Government is proud to support projects that contribute to the development of vibrant cultural industries in rural Canada. This investment will allow artists and organizations across rural Ontario to connect and explore new ways to enhance arts and culture in their communities."

-Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock)

"We are delighted to partner with Canadian Heritage on this important endeavour. The organizing committee hopes that the Symposium will have a lasting impact on the performing arts in rural Canada."

-Lesley English, SPARC Chair

Associated Links

Symposium for the Performing Arts in Rural Communities

Arts Council - Haliburton Highlands

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

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