The City of Calgary is a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2012

Harper Government Designates Calgary as a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2012

The City of Calgary is a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2012 and will receive important support to continue to grow its vibrant arts scene, thanks to an investment by the Harper Government. The announcement was made today by Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, alongside Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important projects like those Calgary will undertake as a Cultural Capital of Canada," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these celebrations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"Our Government has made unprecedented investments in the arts, and we appreciate Calgary's commitment to promoting Canadian culture," said Mr. Richardson. "Calgary is one of Canada's fastest growing and most vibrant cities, and we look forward to working with the city on its upcoming centennial anniversaries to continue to promote the arts, boost tourism, and grow our economy."

"This is an honour for Calgary that recognizes the importance and vitality of our arts and culture sector," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "Calgarians take great pride in supporting culture, and 2012 will be an opportunity to share that pride with all Canadians and further develop our cultural industries."

In 2012, Calgary will celebrate 100 years of cultural accomplishments and set the path for growth over the next century. Next year's centennial celebrations of some of the city's cultural cornerstones, including the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Public Library, the Pumphouse Theatre, and Theatre Junction GRAND, will mark a pivotal point in Calgary's history.

The Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded on the basis of a candidate community's achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. Designated municipalities must also propose a series of projects that celebrate the arts and culture and integrate them into overall community planning. The program's objective is to stimulate sustained community support for the arts and heritage.

The Niagara Region was also designated a Cultural Capital of Canada for 2012 today.
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)

For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca