Dalton & Dave get all artsy

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

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Orazietti announces funding program for local arts organizations

Provincial government encourages community participation in cultural activities

Sault Ste. Marie - Local arts organizations in Sault Ste. Marie will have an opportunity to apply for funding through the Arts Education Partnership Initiative (AEPI), a program administered by the Ontario Arts Foundation, announced MPP David Orazietti.

"Our government recognizes that cultural projects are an integral component of a high quality of life and a forward-looking economic development strategy," said Orazietti.

"We're encouraging arts organizations in Sault Ste. Marie to participate in the AEPI application process, giving them the potential to expand the cultural opportunities available to members of our community."

The Arts Education Partnership Initiative (AEPI) is a one-time $4 million program of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture.

The initiative matches money raised by the arts and community organizations from donors to support new or enhanced arts education projects approved by an Ontario Arts Council Review Team.

Arts Education includes activities by arts and community organizations that engage professional artists to encourage increased knowledge, appreciation and participation in the arts by learners of all ages or that use the arts and professional artists in partnership with classroom teachers to teach and increase the understanding of core curriculum.

Orazietti strongly encourages interested arts organizations in Sault Ste. Marie to view eligibility requirements, the program guidelines and application forms on the Ontario Arts Foundation websitehttp://www.ontarioartsfoundation.on.ca/English/Arts-Education-Partnership-Initiative.html">website> or toll free at 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7413.

The deadline for applications is December 15, 2006.

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