Staff
A trio of district groups this week received funding from the federal government to keep their respective entertainment series going.
The local “Tour de Fort” concert series got $8,000 from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund while “Kids and Co.,” a family performing artists series here, landed $6,000.
The Atikokan Entertainment Series received $7,500 from that same fund.
Leslie Danielson of “Kids and Co.” said the funding is good news since the concert series relies on it.
“It keeps ‘Kids and Co.’ going,” she remarked. “Our expenses are definitely higher than our revenues that we bring in with the box office.”
She added “Kids and Co.” applies for the grant every year, and has to apply for it two years in advance.
“We want to keep our costs down so we can keep kids coming to the shows,” stressed Danielson, adding the funding is an important part of their budget.
The kids’ entertainment series also gets support from the Ontario Arts Council, as well as 17 local sponsors.
The next “Kids and Co.” season starts Oct. 24 with “Flyin’ Bob,” followed by “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” (Nov. 21), “Anders the Magician” (Feb. 27), and “Project Soul” (April 23).
Passports for 2011-12 season are now on sale.
For more information on the upcoming season’s shows and how to get a passport, call Danielson at 274-6019 or visit www.kidsandco.ca
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences, according to the federal government.
Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement, the minister responsible for FedNor, announced the funding on behalf of federal Heritage minister James Moore.
“Investing in arts and heritage is central to the economic health of Northern Ontario communities, and indeed communities all across Canada,” said Clement.
“Thanks to this investment, arts, culture, and official-language organizations in the area can continue to offer great performances and cultural experiences for locals and tourists alike,” he added.
The government said this funding will increase access to professional arts events, support the cultural strength of official-language minority communities, and offer more opportunities to celebrate local arts and heritage.
