On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, John Duncan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Island North), today announced funding for the Comox Valley Folk Society.
This funding will help the Society present its 16th annual Vancouver Island MusicFest, which will take place from July 9 to 11, 2010, in Courtenay. The festival will feature over 140 performances of folk, roots, and world music by more than 170 Canadian and international artists, as well as children's activities and interactive workshops.
"Our Government recognizes how vital arts and culture are for the growth of our communities," said Minister Moore. "The Comox Valley Folk Society plays a leadership role as a professional community organizer and brings together artists from across the country."
"By bringing together a variety of artists from Canada and other parts of the world in the Comox Valley, the Society is ensuring a rich experience for residents of all ages," said Mr. Duncan.
"The Comox Valley Folk Society-Vancouver Island MusicFest is grateful for the support from the Government of Canada in bringing world-class music to our community," said Jay Oddleifson, Chair of the Comox Valley Folk Society. "As presenters of a large-scale music festival in a rural Canadian community, we face unique challenges not faced by our urban counterparts and appreciate that our efforts to produce a world-class festival on Vancouver Island are recognized."
The Comox Valley Folk Society, formed in 1995, has a history of successfully balancing innovation with tradition and accessible presentations with more challenging ones. It is committed to ensuring that its programming is culturally diverse and to featuring a number of Aboriginal and Francophone artists every year, along with hip hop and rap, blues, and folk music.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $25,000 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.