Guelph, Ont. (March 16, 2008) – The show will go on for two arts and cultural festivals in Guelph thanks in part to the support of the Government of Canada.
Ottawa is providing $75,000 to the 14th annual Guelph Jazz Festival and Colloquium. In addition, the Hillside Community Festival will receive funding of $60,000 to support its 25th edition.
“These festivals provide a cultural outlet for the city,” said Gloria Kovach, the Federal Conservative candidate in Guelph. “The attention they attract also goes to benefit the local economy. I am pleased to the see the Government of Canada recognizes their importance.”
"Over the years, the Guelph Jazz Festival and the Hillside Community Festival of Guelph have made important contributions to Canada's cultural landscape and to the economy of Guelph and its region," said Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages. "Every year, both music festivals attract a number of tourists to the area, benefiting local businesses."
The Jazz Festival - a three-time recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Award for the Arts (2001, 2000 & 1997) - will present 20 concerts and 15 lectures and workshops that explore innovative jazz and improvised music. It will run from September 3 to 7, 2008.
The Hillside Community Festival will run from July 24 to 27, 2008. Located on Guelph Lake Island, the Festival will feature five outdoor stages and more than 50 artists performing in a wide variety of genres, including folk, pop, indie rock, and spoken word. The Festival will also include community workshops and demonstrations.
The funding for the festivals was provided through the Arts Presentation Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which gives Canadians greater access to the arts through live professional presentations and festivals.
For all media enquiries, please email Leslie Smejkal at communications@gloriakovach.com .