MISSION, British Columbia – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament (Pitt Meadows–Maple Ridge–Mission), today announced funding for the Mission Folk Music Festival Society.

This funding will support the 23rd annual Mission Folk Music Festival, which is taking place from July 23 to 25 at Fraser River Heritage Park. The Festival will feature Canadian and international artists from diverse musical genres and cultural traditions, including Francophone and Aboriginal artists. Outreach activities include workshops and off-site performances at the Xá:ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre.

“Our Government recognizes the importance of supporting arts and culture at the community level,” said Minister Moore. “The Mission Folk Music Festival offers a compelling variety of concerts, workshops, and outreach activities to appreciative audiences.”

“The Mission Folk Music Festival is eagerly anticipated by many Mission residents and brings tourists in from all over the Lower Mainland,” said Mr. Kamp. “I would like to wish the organizers, performers, and volunteers the very best as they prepare to put on a top-notch festival again this year.”

Since 1998, the Mission Folk Music Festival has presented artistically diverse folk and traditional music. It aims to create opportunities for cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary experimentation and exchange, and to present programming that is participatory, entertaining, and enlightening.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $24,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program 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.