Cultural funding announced

A Central Okanagan cultural society will be receiving some funding.

Kelowna-Lake Country MP, Ron Cannan, announced Friday that the Central Okanagan Intercultural Society will be receiving more than $15,000 as part of the new Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program.

“The program’s goal is to help provide Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present the arts and culture or celebrate local history and heritage. This support from the Government of Canada will provide people in the Central Okanagan with even greater opportunities to celebrate their culture and their community,” says Cannan.

He says the money will help fund an upcoming cultural festival.

“This culturally diverse festival will take place February 10 to March 8, 2008. Events will include a children's festival, an exhibition of art and video projects based on global themes created by local artists, and "Taste of Home" – an evening of multicultural dance and music.”

Cannan says the government has announced a total of $50 million in the Canada Council of the Arts since 2006. During the current fiscal year, $30 million will be received.