Talisman Energy supports international emerging artists with $650,000 Banff Centre gift

Banff, Alberta, August 9, 2012 – With the generous support of Talisman Energy, emerging artists from around the world have the opportunity to come to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. 

With a $650,000 commitment over two years to the Centre’s music and audio programs, Talisman Energy’s support, through an endowment fund, will provide emerging artists with unique, inspirational learning opportunities to develop their potential and transform their careers. Talisman Energy’s support will also help Banff Centre invest in its audio facilities, with assistance to purchase a state-of-the art audio console.

“Talisman Energy recognizes the important role that arts and culture plays in our society,” says Banff Centre president Jeff Melanson. “We are delighted to have them as a partner in supporting emerging artists as they forge successful careers. We are also pleased that they recognize the importance of sustainable support, having created an endowment at the Centre which has also allowed us to leverage matching funds through The Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Investment Fund. This year alone we received matching of approximately $0.82 on every dollar donated to our endowment funds”.  

It is expected that Talisman Energy’s gift when aggregated with matching funds received, and expected to be received in 2013, may exceed $1M.  

The inaugural Talisman Energy Emerging Artists have come to Banff from Canada, Bulgaria and England and have been at the Centre throughout the summer residency, playing and rehearsing with internationally renowned musicians such as Colin Carr, Joel Smirnoff, Andrés Díaz, and Lydia Wong, and performing as part of the Banff Summer Arts Festival.  

In announcing their support, John Manzoni, President & CEO of Talisman Energy said: "We are very pleased to work with Banff Centre to create educational programs for emerging artists from around the globe. This year, five talented individuals have received the Talisman Energy scholarships and will benefit from the Centre’s rich environment, interaction with fellow artists and state-of-the-art equipment. Nurturing talent is a key part of ‘how we do business,’ and to extend this philosophy to emerging artists is a clear match with our values.”

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