 MEDIA RELEASE |
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MEDIA RELEASE |
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For Immediate Release
May 8, 2001
New funding shows federal commitment to Canadian arts, says The Banff Centre’s
Mary Hofstetter
Mary Hofstetter, acting president and CEO of The Banff Centre, returned optimistic from Toronto last Wednesday after Prime Minister Chrétien and Heritage Minister Sheila Copps announced an infusion of $560 million in new funding to the arts in Canada. "The government’s distribution of this funding across a wide spectrum of artistic genres and geographic regions indicates a pan-Canadian approach to cultural development," says Hofstetter. "This announcement conveys a strong commitment at the federal level to use the arts and culture as a means of showcasing Canada on the global stage. As a national training institution, The Banff Centre is uniquely poised to carry out the priorities of this government."
Hofstetter says this funding--the biggest infusion of cash into Canada's cultural sector since the creation of the Canada Council—offers opportunity for The Banff Centre in three key areas: arts leadership development and training; Aboriginal and cultural heritage; and new media. A recent press release from the Government of Canada stated its intended investment of $108 million over the next three years for the creation of new media and multimedia Canadian content, as well as an additional $13 million over three years to expand the National Arts Training Contribution Program, with special emphasis on Aboriginal arts and leadership development in the arts.
In light of the impact this
funding will have on Canada’s presence in the international arts arena, this
announcement was particularly well-timed: May 21st is UNESCO’s
World Day for Cultural Development. "We look forward to leading a new era
in the evolution of arts training at The Banff Centre, and to strengthening The
Banff Centre’s position as a leader in creative innovation in Canada,"
says Hofstetter.
The Banff Centre is Canada's only post-secondary institution dedicated to the arts, leadership development, and mountain culture. Programs are designed to enrich professional practice beyond the realm of traditional education. The Centre's unique mountain environment and multidisciplinary setting reflect a commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.
Media contacts:
Sabrina Grobler, Media Relations Consultant, The Banff Centre. Ph. 402.762.6487
or 403.571.1821
Lachlan Mackintosh, Marketing Coordinator, The Banff Centre for the Arts. Ph.
403.762.6670