The West Coast of Vancouver Island Gears Up for the Pacific Rim Summer Festival

UCLUELET, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 21, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Pacific Rim Arts Society will receive $20,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to present the 26^th edition of the Pacific Rim Summer Festival.

The Festival, which takes place in Tofino, Ucluelet, and neighbouring Nuu-chah-nulth communities, features presentations of music, Aboriginal dance, theatre, and comedy by culturally diverse artists. A number of public outreach activities will also be offered, including traditional drum-making, a public drum circle, and camps for children.

Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament (Nanaimo-Alberni), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• The 26^th edition of the Pacific Rim Summer Festival will take place from July 4 to 20, 2014, at 16 venues in Tofino, Ucluelet, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Itacu, and Pacific Rim National Park.
• The Pacific Rim Arts Society is celebrating its 44^th year of bringing arts and cultural events to the region.
• The Society is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization serving the districts of Tofino and Ucluelet, as well as First Nations communities in the Clayoquot Sound area on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Quotes

"The Pacific Rim Summer Festival gives visitors and residents a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of these coastal communities and enjoy entertainment by Canadian artists. Events like the Pacific Rim Summer Festival help build strong communities and strengthen our shared sense of heritage."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"This festival provides our community with access to some of the best in cultural performances and offers memorable experiences for residents and tourists alike. Our Government is pleased to support this year's Pacific Rim Summer Festival, which I'm sure will be a great success."

-Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament (Nanaimo-Alberni)

"This funding represents a significant opportunity for Pacific Rim Arts Society as an organization to improve the quality of experience in the arts while responding to the region's demographic artistic needs. This funding will allow us to expand on our youth and First Nation outreach programs. We hope to achieve a more culturally diverse program that will include Aboriginal artistic expression and official-languages representation, and enrich the sense of an arts community in Tofino, Ucluelet, and outlying areas."

-Mark Penny, President, Pacific Rim Arts Society

"The District of Ucluelet is very appreciative of the grant provided to the Pacific Rim Arts Society for the summer festival. The Pacific Rim Arts Society has for years hosted activities in our region that have been a wonderful inspiration to our residents and tourist visitors."

-Bill Irving, Mayor of Ucluelet

Associated Links

Pacific Rim Arts Society

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

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