The sweet sounds of government money have come to the Sunshine Coast in the form of an Arts Presentation Canada grant.
John Weston, member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, stopped by the Sechelt Spirit Square Tuesday afternoon to deliver the good news.
"The Coast Recital Society makes an outstanding contribution to the cultural vitality of the region, and we are proud to support it," Weston said on behalf of James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. Weston brought a cheque for $9,000 with him and presented it to Coast Recital Society (CRS) president Mary Lea Bell and artistic director Frances Heinsheimer Wainwright.
"As the Sunshine Coast's only producer of classical music subscription concerts of the highest artistic quality, the Coast Recital Society gratefully uses its funding to bring first-rate Canadian and international performers to sold-out, enthusiastic audiences of all ages," said Heinsheimer Wainwright.
The non-profit group presents recital, orchestra, choir and repertoire in a series of concerts throughout the year at the Raven's Cry Theatre. CRS expanded this season to include outreach concerts in schools and eldercare facilities.
The Arts Presentation Canada program is part of the Department of Canadian Heritage and gives Canadians increased access to culture through professional festivals, live professional performances and other arts experiences. Heinsheimer Wainwright said the grant has been vital for CRS to help cover costs of the concert series for the last few years.
