LLOYDMINSTER, ALBERTA - Lloydminster-area residents and visitors will be able to enjoy more high-quality artistic performances, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament (Vegreville-Wainwright), on behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Vic Juba Community Theatre Board.

The $15,000 in funding will help the Community Theatre Board produce this year's annual performance series, a diverse cross-section of artistic expressions featuring music, dance, comedy, and children's theatre. The series will showcase professional theatre presentations that emphasize contemporary Canadian artists, and will include outreach activities in the community.

"Alberta is home to a strong, vibrant cultural scene, and the Government of Canada is proud to support its presenters, artists, and performers," said Minister Verner. "Our Government wants to ensure that all Canadians have opportunities to enjoy diverse and varied artistic experiences, such as the Vic Juba Community Theatre series."

"Arts organizations must have access to resources that enable them to flourish in their communities," said Mr. Benoit. "Today's funding will allow this organization to offer audiences in Alberta unique cultural experiences."

"Our organization is most grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage," said Vic Juba, Chair of the Vic Juba Community Theatre Board. "This funding allows our organization to present a series of artists and performances that we would otherwise not be able to offer our community."

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.