Winnipeg Designated One of the 2010 Cultural Capitals of Canada

August 27, 2009

WINNIPEG - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, accompanied by Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament (Winnipeg South), and His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg, today announced that the municipality of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been designated the final Cultural Capital of Canada for 2010. The other two designated municipalities--Saguenay, Quebec, and Saint John, New Brunswick--were announced earlier this week.

"Throughout Canada, culture unites us and gives us roots. It opens us to the world and enables us to express who we are and what we hope to become," said Minister Moore. "I look forward to Winnipeg's River Barge Festival and the newly created International Cello Festival, two key elements of the city's plans for its year as a Cultural Capital, which will put the best of Winnipeg on display."

"Winnipeg has done an excellent job of supporting arts and culture, and the city has greatly increased its support for the arts over the last five years," said Mr. Bruinooge. "The various initiatives that will be launched next year will undoubtedly contribute to the economic development of our region."

"Winnipeg is renowned for its unique diversity and passion for arts and culture, so to receive this designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2010 is an immense honour," said Mr. Katz. "And I would like to thank the Government of Canada for recognizing our ability to celebrate culture and for its contributions to support arts and culture in Winnipeg in 2010."

The Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded for merit, as determined by the quality of a proposed project and earlier achievements by the candidate community that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. An independent advisory committee evaluates the candidate communities and makes its recommendations to the Minister. Funding is provided to support special projects that celebrate the arts and culture. Amounts vary according to the size of the municipality. As a municipality with a population greater than 125 000, Winnipeg may receive up to $2 million.

Winnipeg will launch a variety of projects with the funding provided, including the River Barge Festival, a seven-day festival featuring performances that will take place on barges at the juncture of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The Festival will feature Aboriginal artists, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Theatre Centre, and well-known artists who began their careers in Winnipeg.

The other Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2010 are Saguenay, Quebec, and Saint John, New Brunswick.