KELOWNA, British Columbia, January 26, 2012 – New investments from the Government of Canada in British Columbia’s arts and culture sectors are helping to boost the economy and create jobs and growth. This was announced today by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna.

Funding will support 11 projects throughout the province, including the Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan, the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society, and the Chamber Music Kelowna Society.

“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations that help define our culture and promote our identity,” said Minister Moore. “By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and create jobs and growth throughout  British Columbia.”

“The Board, artistic directors, and volunteers of the Chamber Music Kelowna Society are very happy to receive this funding, as this allows us to continue our work in furthering a 32-year tradition of bringing some of Canada’s and the world’s top classical musicians to audiences in Kelowna and the Okanagan,” said Derald Oldring, President, Chamber Music Kelowna Society. “It also allows schools, community groups, music students, and others exposure to these artists through our outreach program. This support from the Government of Canada enhances, in a significant way, the cultural life of the community and is a stimulus for our organization to strive for excellence in the musical arts.”

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $734,442 under four programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage: the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Canada Arts Training Fund, and the Aid to Publishers component of the Canada Periodical Fund. For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.