Government of Canada Invests in Arts, Culture, and Heritage in Yukon

WHITEHORSE, YUKON--(Marketwire - March 16, 2011) - Arts, culture, and heritage activities are thriving in Yukon, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. Funding for nine projects in Yukon was announced today by the Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Senator Lang made the announcement at the Yukon Arts Centre alongside leaders of Yukon's arts community.

This funding will support a range of projects aimed at strengthening communities, profiling local artists, and creating cultural experiences. Projects that benefit from today's announcement include the Dawson City Music Festival and Concert Series, the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous festival in Whitehorse, and the St. Elias Convention Centre improvement project in Haines Junction.

"Arts and heritage bring communities together and strengthen Canadians' pride in their country," said Minister Moore. "Our Government believes that investing in arts, culture, and heritage is central to the economic health of communities throughout Yukon."

"Our Government is committed to strengthening Yukon communities, both culturally and economically," said Senator Lang. "We are proud to invest in these projects, which encourage our creative spirit."

"Junction Arts and Music Society thanks the Government of Canada for its contribution to improve our community's cultural venue," said Yolande Cherepak, Executive Director. "The acquisition of a new sound system, as well as improvements to the St. Elias Convention Centre Grand Hall acoustics, will enable us to continue providing high-quality performing arts events in our community on a year-round basis."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $370,515 through three programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

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

BACKGROUNDER

Today's announcement includes the following Yukon projects:

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

• All-City Band Society – Music for a Winter's Eve, 2010–2011; $10,200

• Longest Night Society – Longest Night, 2010–2011; $4,600

• Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society – Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, 2010–2011; $26,200

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

The Canada Arts Presentation Fund 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.

• Frostbite Music Society – Frostbite Music Festival, 2010–2011; $27,000

• Whitehorse Concerts – Classically Yours Concert Series, 2010–2011; $22,000

• Yukon Arts Centre Corporation – Yukon Arts Centre 2010–2011 Season, 2010–2011; $95,000

• Dawson City Arts Society – Performing Arts Series, 2011–2012; $7,500

• Dawson City Music Festival – Dawson City Music Festival and Concert Series, 2011–2012; $34,000

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.

• Junction Arts and Music Society – St. Elias Convention Centre Improvement, 2011–2012; $144,015