Federal arts funding is music to ears of two County festivals

Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis announced donations to the tune of $20,000 in Wellington Monday morning.

The federal government’s Canada Arts Presentation Fund, he announced, will invest $10,000 each to The Festival Players of Prince Edward County and the Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival.

The funds go toward supporting the two organisations’ artistic seasons, allowing locals and visitors to experience exceptional theatre and music in Prince Edward County.

“I am proud of our government’s continued support of these two premier arts and culture organizations,” said Ellis. “Prince Edward County’s strong arts and culture sector continues to grow year after year and these two groups are key players in that exciting development.”

Festival Players is grateful for the continued investment through the fund, said Graham Abbey, Festival Players’ Artistic Director.

“This crucial funding enables us to bring nationally-acclaimed talent to Prince Edward County. With the support of Canadian Heritage, Festival Players will present an exciting season of professional arts and cultural programming.”

Maureen Dunn, chair of the Chamber Music Festival, was also thankful for continued support.

“It will permit us to continue to provide wonderful concerts, including two free concerts for students, a free outdoor concert at Macaulay Park and six fantastic chamber music concerts over two weekends in September,” she said. “The Canadian Heritage grant supports our vision of growing into one of Canada’s top destinations for excellence in chamber music.”

The Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series (arts presenters) and organizations that offer support to arts presenters.
Each year, the CAPF supports 650 professional arts festivals and performing arts series, as well as other activities related to arts presentation, in more than 250 communities across Canada.