The Honourable Mélanie Joly announces major investments in the Canada Arts Presentation Fund

The Government of Canada provides financial assistance to promote Canadian artists to the world

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced $30,000 in funding for the Réseau indépendant des diffuseurs d'événements artistiques unis (RIDEAU); this is in addition to the $360,000 already provided this year. These additional funds will enable RIDEAU to host several international delegations, including the largest Chinese delegation in its history. This support will allow Canadian artists to promote their work to Canadian and international broadcasters, as well as open new markets for our creators and cultural entrepreneurs.

On February 2, Minister Joly co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Canada-China Joint Committee on Culture, which aims to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of culture, creative industries, heritage and the arts. During this Canada-China Year of Tourism, there are many opportunities to build relationships between our countries, organizations and citizens, including the first Creative Industries Trade Mission to China next April.

In addition to the $30,000 awarded to the Bourse RIDEAU, the Government of Canada is allocating $20,000 to RADARTS Inc. (Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène) and $17,500 to the creative export projects of Rencontre Théâtre Ado.

The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. The Fund provides financial assistance to organizations that professionally present arts festivals or performing arts series, as well as organizations that support arts presenters. This Fund provides Canadians with access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in their communities. Each year, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund supports approximately 600 arts festivals, professional performance series and other arts presentations in more than 250 cities or communities across the country.

Quotes

"I am pleased to be part of this significant event for the performing arts community; and particularly as the Government of Canada's investment will allow the Bourse RIDEAU to host the largest Chinese delegation in its history. These investments will help our artists build international careers, while encouraging new and innovative projects and strengthening our economy."

— The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Building on our expertise of creating strong and lasting relationships to support international arts presentations, we are pleased to welcome such a diverse international delegation this year. The Government of Canada's investment has increased our hosting capacity and opened up new networks that will benefit our country's artists; particularly through the presence of a large Chinese delegation. China is a country in full expansion, and we hope that this first step will lead to a fruitful collaboration in the years to come."

— Mr. Jacques Pineau, RIDEAU president

Quick facts

Bourse RIDEAU, which is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year, is the most important francophone event for the creation and distribution of the performing arts in America. This year, it is expected to attract 1,200 participants, 350 broadcasters from Canada and abroad, 350 multidisciplinary artists, as well as 320 producers and agents.

Bourse RIDEAU enables producers and agents to present prominent or emerging artists, as well as allowing national and international broadcasters to showcase their works to the public at home and abroad.

Bourse RIDEAU offers approximately 50 showcases (excerpts or full) from all disciplines of the performing arts (music, song, dance, theatre, comedy, variety and youth), as well as a dynamic marketplace, training workshops, conferences and a gala: the RIDEAU Awards Night.

Associated links

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

L'association du Réseau indépendant des diffuseurs d'événements artistiques unis

SOURCE Canadian Heritage