Harper Government Invests in the Port Moody Arts Centre Society

PORT MOODY, BC, Feb. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam), today announced funding from the Government of Canada for the Port Moody Arts Centre Society. This investment will help stimulate Port Moody's economy and contribute to the community's cultural vitality.

"Our Government is proud to invest in organizations like the Port Moody Arts Centre Society because of its ongoing efforts to provide high-quality artistic performances and presentations," said Minister Moore. "The funding announced today will help ensure that the community has access to a vibrant meeting place where arts can come to life, and that citizens can experience and enjoy a broad range of visual and performing arts activities."

Funding announced today will support the commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Port Moody. The commemorative project will renovate a historic residence to better suit its new use as a centre for arts workshops, training, ongoing programs, and special events.

As well, funding will support two editions of the Port Moody Festival of the Arts, held each year in late September. This multidisciplinary festival features six presentations of music, comedy, theatre, and literary and visual arts, as well as activities to get the community involved, such as demonstrations, workshops, post-show artist talks, and free outdoor programming.

"We'd like to thank the Government of Canada for this support that allows us to continue to engage the community in a variety of art disciplines and activities," said Ann Kitching , President, Board of Directors, Port Moody Arts Centre Society. "We are especially excited about repurposing a historic building into additional space for the Arts Centre. Not only are we gaining important space, but we are also commemorating this important anniversary for Port Moody and leaving a lasting legacy for the community to enjoy for many years to come."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $500,785 over two years (2012-2013 and 2013-2014) to the Port Moody Arts Centre Society through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage ($480,785) and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund ($20,000). Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. 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.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage