Sioux Narrows arts festival lands funds

Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP David Ramsay last week announced funding in the amount of $3,000 to help market the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival.
“The Ontario government is a proud supporter of festivals, events, and attractions that boost tourism in all four seasons,” said Ramsay, who also is the minister of natural resources.
“Supporting such events gives a substantial economic boost to our area, and a memorable experience for our visitors,” he added.
The Tourism Event Marketing Partnership Program (TEMPP) funding will be used to market the 44th-annual Sioux Narrows Arts Festival, which is taking place July 27-31.
The festival provides a venue for local and regional artists to display their artistic talents. It is a juried show, with the focus on various forms of art, including carvings, glass, jewellers, potters, furniture, textile, etc.
The festival is a popular event in the community, and is well-recognized in Northwestern Ontario as well as in Manitoba.
In addition to showcasing unique and original artworks, First Nations communities have been invited to participate and add cultural and historical activities, such as traditional aboriginal dances, story-telling, traditional paintings, and pottery-making.
Numerous partnerships have been formed and have resulted in the creation of packages that contain a combination of artistic, historical, and cultural activities.
“Sioux Narrows Arts Festival is important for Sioux Narrows,” said Ramsay. “I want to congratulate everyone who is helping to organize this event and the volunteers who are working hard to make it such a great success.”
“A healthy tourism industry supports Ontario’s high quality of life,” said Tourism and Recreation minister Jim Bradley.
“Festivals and events increase tourism, bringing new visitors to communities across Ontario, contributing to a strong and prosperous economy,” he noted.
Sioux Narrows Arts Festival is among a growing number of Ontario events and festivals sponsored under the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corp.’s Tourism Event Marketing Partnership Program.
By assisting local organizations to showcase their events to the people of Ontario and our neighbours, TEMPP encourages increased tourism and strengthens Ontario’s tourism industry.