The Elora Festival received a federal grant of $52,000 on July 10.
Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore.
The festival opened on July 10 and runs to Aug. 2. The 30th edition will feature 22 performances by more than 140 Canadian and international artists. In addition to the musical performances, festival patrons will be able to take in a variety of activities for all ages.
“Our government is proud to support the Elora Festival,” said Moore. “Congratulations on 30 years of first-rate musical programming in this beautiful region.”
Chong said, “From Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Natalie MacMaster, this community has long supported world-class artists. Artists pursue a unique method of inquiry, designed to expose us to different ways of thinking and bring us to new insights. The Elora Festival has exemplified this pursuit through the many world-renowned classical and contemporary artists that have appeared on its program since 1979. I am pleased to be able to support the Elora Festival and look forward to another excellent season.”
Jurgen Petrenko, the General Manager of the festival, said, “The Elora Festival is thrilled to receive generous support from the government of Canada. The arts show us who we are and what we value. In times of uncertainty they become more important than ever. Support from the government is essential for the arts to thrive, especially in the current economic climate.”
The grant through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage 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.
Earlier this year, the provincial government provided the festival with $73,500.
