The Government of Canada Supports Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Jan. 4, 2008) - On behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), today announced funding for the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta (ATAA) Society.

Funding of $60,000 will contribute to the ATAA's Showcase 2008, held in Red Deer, Alberta, from October 16 to 19. This annual marketing, performance, and networking event brings together artists, presenters, agents, and other showcase organizers from across Canada to facilitate the development and growth of touring arts performance in Alberta. The funding will also support the ATAA's publication of the Alberta Touring Directory and establish a Web-based performance calendar for artists and presenters.

"Our Government is committed to supporting organizations dedicated to fostering performing arts in Canada, which strengthen our communities both culturally and economically," said Minister Verner. "We are proud to fund the ATAA's Showcase 2008."

"This annual gathering of a cross-section from Alberta's performing arts sector expands the diversity of artistic experiences available to everyone," said Mr. Hawn. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support this important marketing and networking showcase."

"The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta works on behalf of a rural network of communities that enjoy live performing arts series," said Dave Goodwin, President of the Alliance. "With the assistance of Canadian Heritage, we are able to continue to offer this network an opportunity to book diverse, professional and high-quality artists. On behalf of every community presenter in the province, we thank Canadian Heritage for their support."

The Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta Society is dedicated to the maintenance, development and growth of a strong touring arts industry in Alberta through networking opportunities, access to professional development services, and programs that promote and nurture all aspects of arts touring. Through their annual three-day Showcase and ongoing publishing and Web initiatives, the organization seeks to make touring arts performances accessible for all Albertans, both urban and rural.

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences