June 14, 2013

MANITOBANS AND VISITORS ENCOURAGED TO ENJOY PROVINCE'S SUMMER FESTIVALS: MARCELINO

Manitobans and visitors are encouraged to head out this summer and enjoy some of the great festivals taking place across the province, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino said today.
“From learning how pioneers lived and worked to sitting on a patio listening to jazz in Old Market Square, there’s a festival for everyone this summer in Manitoba,” said Marcelino.  “I hope people will take advantage of the beautiful weather and the events, and really experience Manitoba’s amazing festivals this summer.”
Some of the festivals being held this summer include:

• Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, until June 22, Winnipeg;
• Nickel Days, June 20 to 23, Thompson;
• St. Pierre Frog Follies, July 11 to 14, St. Pierre-Jolys;
• Arborg Fair and Rodeo, July 19 to 21, Arborg;
• Neepawa and Area Lily Festival, July 19 to 21, Neepawa; and
• Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze, Aug. 15 to 18, Virden.

“Many Manitoba festivals are organized and presented by dedicated volunteers, and I thank them for their hard work,” said Marcelino.  “They’re not only bringing people together to celebrate, they are also making their communities and our province more vibrant and an even more wonderful place to live.”
For more information on festivals being held around the province this summer, visit the Travel Manitoba website at www.travelmanitoba.com.

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BACKROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Happy Manitoba day

May 10, 2013

COMMUNITIES ACROSS PROVINCE TO CELEBRATE MANITOBA'S 143RD BIRTHDAY: MARCELINO

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May 12 is Manitoba Day

Communities across the province are commemorating Manitoba Day with events and programs celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of the province, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino said today.
“Celebrations continue to grow and there are now many annual community events to observe the day Manitoba became a province,” said Marcelino.  “I want to encourage Manitobans to celebrate the province’s 143rd birthday by participating in one of the special events taking place this weekend.”
The Manitoba Act, which created the province of Manitoba, was passed by the Parliament of Canada and received royal assent on May 12, 1870.  The act was proclaimed on July 15, 1870, when Manitoba joined the Canadian Confederation as its fifth province.
The provincial government works with communities and heritage organizations to promote Manitoba Day through partnerships with heritage organizations, schools and students.  Events will be taking place today, tomorrow and Sunday.
This year, the Manitoba Museum is marking Manitoba Day on May 11 by offering free admission, special educational programming and the opening of a new exhibit commemorating Fort Rouge:  275 Years of French Presence in Manitoba.
Several provincial heritage agencies and museums will be taking part with arts, culture and heritage displays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum.  Volunteers from the Manitoba Archaeological Society will be on hand to demonstrate traditional technologies and answer questions about archaeology.   Heritage Winnipeg will have a display and costumed interpreters will offer programs and interact with the public in the foyer and museum galleries.
Further information on some of the ways to enjoy the province’s heritage on Manitoba Day and a list of some of the events and celebrations in communities across the province are available at www.gov.mb.ca/chc/manitoba_day.

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Rare Collection of Hudson Bay Company history returns

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino reviews Hudson Bay Company’s Archives rare collection of silent film material with Archivist James Gorton

February 13, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY ARCHIVES RECEIVES RARE COLLECTION OF SILENT FILMS

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Extraordinary Film Shows Life in Northern Canada in 1920: Marcelino

A rare collection of Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) films has been returned to Canada from England and has been added to the permanent holdings of the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives (HBCA) in Winnipeg, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino announced today.
“These extraordinary films bring to life records already held at the Hudson's Bay Company Archives and help create a more complete picture of HBC’s long history in the Canadian North,” said Marcelino.  “The motion pictures provide a unique glimpse into Inuit and First Nations communities and HBC operations across northern Canada from 1919 to 1939.”
The bulk of the donation consists of what was once part of a two-hour silent film called Romance of the Far Fur Country.  The film was commissioned in 1920 by the Hudson’s Bay Company to celebrate its 250thanniversary.
The original full-length feature film premiered in May 1920 in Winnipeg’s Allen Theatre, known today as the Metropolitan, and was also shown in movie theatres across Western Canada.
Footage includessegments shot from the HBC supply ship the Nascopie on its voyagefrom Montreal to the eastern Arctic and Hudson’s Bay.  Along the way, HBC personnel and buildings, indigenous peoples and activities associated with the operations of the HBC were filmed.  Also included in early footage are sequences of pageants and parades in Winnipeg, Calgary, Victoria and Vancouver.
The return of the films from England was possible through funding support from the Hudson’s Bay Company History Foundation and the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives Trust Fund.
“The survival of these films is remarkable.  Only a small amount of Canada’s silent film heritage has survived due to the fragile nature of the nitratefilm base,” said Marcelino.
Until the recent transfer to the HBCA in Winnipeg, the films were preserved for the past several decades by the British Film Institute National Archive in London.
The entire collection, about 40 reels of original footage, was digitized prior to the films leaving London.  Copies will soon be available for researchers, film makers and anyone interested in Canadian history.  The fragile originals are carefully protected in the Archives of Manitoba storage specifically designed for film records.
Screenings of a selection of the footage to celebrate this new acquisition for the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives will take place on three consecutive Wednesday evenings, Feb. 15at 7 p.m. at Cinematheque, 100 Arthur St. and Feb. 22and Feb. 29at 7 p.m. at the Archives of Manitoba, 200 Vaughan St.  For more information please contact the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives, Archives of Manitoba, 204-945-4949 or hbca@gov.mb.ca.

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Arts-based communuities benefit from increased funding

Manitoba continues to support the arts community with $400,000 in Urban Art Centres funding for 11 organizations. Left to Right: Columpa Bobb, Aboriginal Arts Program, Crystal Kolt, Flin Flon Arts Council, Josh Ruth, Art City, Culture, Heritage, Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino, Sheila Spence, Manitoba Printmakers Association and Steve Wilson Grafitti Art Program.

 

February 3, 2012

PROVINCE PROVIDES UP TO $400,000 TO ARTS-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

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Funding Supports 11 Groups Providing Valuable Creative Programming: Marcelino

Manitoba continues to support valuable creative programming with over $400,000 in Urban Art Centres (UAC) funding for 11 community-based organizations delivering annual ongoing arts programming, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino announced today.
“Government supports accessibility to arts programs because it allows Manitobans to nurture their minds and bodies,” said Marcelino.  “We have championed the arts to help improve quality of life, enhance education, engage citizens in their personal development and enrich the cultural expression of our home communities."
The UAC program provides financial assistance to established, community-based, not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations for ongoing arts programs.  Support goes toward operating needs such as rent, lights, office supplies and salaries.
Organizations receiving funding for the first time include:

• Manitoba Printmakers Association, which offers a continuum of community programs at its Martha Street studio.  The Youth Outreach Printmaking Program, targeting cross-cultural participation from youth of diverse backgrounds, brings together inner city, suburban and Aboriginal participants.  It also offers the Inkubator program, which provides further mentorship and skills development for youth who want to practise printmaking.
• Flin Flon Arts Council, whichis a collaborator in the operations and administration of the NorVA Centre (Northern Visual Arts Centre) in Flin Flon.  The NorVA Centre is a multidimensional centre for the visual arts, boasting a gallery, studio space for members and community-based productions. 
• Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP), whichoperates the Aboriginal Art Mentorship and Apprenticeship program that delivers training and access to theatre arts, skills and confidence building, leadership skills, acting, storytelling, film, multi-media, writing, sculpture, photography and set design.  This program is recognized as a best practices model in the delivery of arts education to children, youth and young adults in Canada.  MTYP provides a safe, fun environment for skills development and mentorship.

The following eight organizations have received Urban Art Centres funding previously and will once again receive funds in 2012:

• Art City;
• Graffiti Art Programming;
• Ndinawemaaganag Endawaad (Ndinawe);
• West End Cultural Centre;
• Winnipeg International Children’s Festival Circus and Magic Partnership (Winnipeg);
• Winnipeg International Children’s Festival Circus and Magic Partnership (Northern);
• Gas Station Arts Centre; and
• Red Road Lodge.

“Through provincial programs and partnerships, Manitoba is supporting grassroots community revitalization and building vibrant and dynamic urban communities,” said Marcelino.
Urban Art Centres is a program of the Neighbourhoods Alive! initiative.

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Citizenship Ceremony at the Legislature

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino, minister responsible for multiculturalism, today welcomed 30 new Canadians at a swearing-in ceremony for the nation’s newest citizens.
“I congratulate Canada’s newest citizens for deciding to make Manitoba their home province,” said Marcelino.  “Today, we are celebrating this milestone and wish them great success and happiness for the future.  It is a privilege to share in this experience.”
The new citizens were given a provincial welcome certificate, a gift reflecting the province’s multicultural values and a commemorative photo as a memento of their accomplishment.
The special ceremony was held in the Legislative Building and was co-ordinated with assistance from Citizenship and Immigration Canada and presided over by Judge Harold Gilleshammer.  The Inkster Honour Choir led the singing of the national anthem.
The minister noted more than 100 languages are spoken in Manitoba and over 300 ethnocultural organizations play a significant part in attracting newcomers.
“New citizens in Manitoba are actively encouraged to maintain and share the traditions of their homelands,” said Marcelino.  “Today’s new Canadians reflect the diversity of Manitoba itself, a quality we proudly cherish.”
From January to June of this year, more than 3,530 people took the oath of citizenship in Manitoba.
Each year, approximately 4,500 immigrants are sworn in as Canadian citizens in Manitoba.  Canada has one of the highest naturalization rates in the world, with 85 per cent of immigrants becoming citizens.

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Minister Rondeau; Bob Silver (co-chair of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Committee); Pieter Prinsloo, (Youth Advisory Council); Principal Gord Crook; Minister Marcelino; Dave Angus (Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce); Minister Swan; and a number of high school students join Premier Selinger at Tec Voc High School for the announcement of innovative new youth programs.


November 23, 2010

MANITOBA YOUTH CORPS TO PROVIDE MENTORSHIP, JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE THAN 2,800 YOUNG MANITOBANS

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Province's Unprecedented Focus on Youth Opportunities Will Benefit All Manitobans: Selinger

A new provincial initiative known as the Manitoba Youth Corps will connect 2,500 high-school students to mentorship and job opportunities and create an additional 345 new job spots over the next three years, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at Tec Voc High School.

 

“The transition between education and a rewarding career can be difficult for many young people,” said Selinger.  “The right mentor and the right job or educational opportunity at the right time can make all the difference in preparing youth for success in life.”

 

The Manitoba Youth Corp will consist of a two new initiatives:  Manitoba Mentors, a youth mentorship program, and Manitoba Youth Employment, a new program to match potential youth employees and employers.  The concept of the Manitoba Youth Corp is a key recommendation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council, formed in 2001 to bring together business, labour, Aboriginal and community leaders to assist government in developing economic strategies.

 

“This program is all about giving young people a better understanding of the world and careers available to them after school,” said Bob Silver, co-chair of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council.  “We hope that once our young people know more about the exciting opportunities available to them and the fulfilling careers they can have in our province, they will be encouraged to stay in Manitoba and find their future here in our great province.”

 

Manitoba Mentors will match students in grades 9 to 12 with employers from business, non-profit organizations and labour to help them make the transition from school to work.  Mentorship opportunities will include one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, job shadowing, work experience and leadership training.

 

The $6.7-million program will launch in September 2011 and is intended to complement and enhance existing mentoring programs, like the Urban/Hometown Green Team, to ensure high-school students and employers have the chance to participate, the premier said.  

 

Manitoba Mentors will be universal in nature and will support youth retention efforts by ensuring young people are aware of the unlimited career opportunities Manitoba has to offer, said Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau.      

  

“The future success of Manitoba depends on how well we are able to provide opportunities and hope to all young Manitobans, regardless of the barriers they face,” said Rondeau.  “Education, training and employment are the great equalizer and it is our responsibility to ensure every single young person in this province can access the tools they need to succeed.”

 

Manitoba Youth Employment will help students cultivate workplace skills by providing jobs and valuable work experience, Selinger said.  The initiative will enhance existing programs such as Urban/Hometown Green Team, Partners with Youth and Youth Build and also introduce a new intensive support program for high-risk youth facing multiple personal barriers to gaining life skills, training and employment.  

 

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Minister of Culture Flor Marcelino dishes out $250,000 for the Arts

November 19, 2010 MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS – – – Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.   “There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”   Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.   The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.   The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.   The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.   “By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”   - 30 -   BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

November 19, 2010 MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS – – – Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.   “There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”   Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.   The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.   The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.   The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.   “By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”   - 30 -   BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

November 19, 2010 MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS – – – Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.   “There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”   Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.   The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.   The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.   The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.   “By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”   - 30 -   BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

November 19, 2010

MARCELINO ACKNOWLEDGES TALENT OF MANITOBA ARTISTS

– – –
Province Announces $250,000 in Funding to Support National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene Festival

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today announced funding of $250,000 to support Prairie Scene, a two-week festival in the nation’s capital that will showcase Manitoba artists from April 26 to May 7, 2011.

 

“There are many talented artists located throughout Manitoba and I am certain the group chosen to represent Manitoba at the festival will do the province proud,” said Marcelino. “Support for Prairie Scene reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to the many artists living in Manitoba and our desire to provide opportunities for them.”

 

Prairie Scene is the latest in a series of festivals produced by the National Arts Centre.  The festival will embrace the diversity of the arts and culture in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The festival will feature a comprehensive mix of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film, literature and culinary arts.

 

The National Arts Centre began the festival in 2003 with the Atlantic Scene, then the Alberta Scene in 2005, Quebec Scene in 2007, B.C. Scene in 2009, and now the stage will be set for the prairies.

 

The National Arts Centre will present 80 different events over the 13-day festival in multiple venues across Ottawa.  Part of the goal is to propel the careers of young artists by introducing them to a group of well-known presenters.

 

The $250,000 in provincial funding will offset the fees, travel costs and expenses associated with the participation of Manitoba artists and arts organizations.

 

“By supporting Prairie Scene we are enhancing Manitoba artists’ opportunities for exposure, both nationally and internationally,” said Marcelino. “Everyone who attends the Prairie Scene will get a taste of the special talents Manitobans have come to enjoy. I am sure all the artists who participate will be great Manitoba ambassadors on the national stage.”

August 4, 2010
GRAND OPENING OF KILDONAN PARK OUTDOOR POOL MAKES A BIG SPLASH WITH MANITOBA FAMILIES
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz today cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool, located at 2015 Main St., inside Kildonan Park.
“Manitoba is focused on promoting healthy, active lifestyles and improving the quality of lives for families, and today’s announcement builds on that commitment. This investment will provide better summer living for Manitobans,” Marcelino said.

“We are working hard to improve our recreational infrastructure and provide quality destinations for families to enjoy during our wonderful summers,” said Katz. “The new Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool will be a tremendous asset for the citizens in north Winnipeg and provide our young people with a positive and exciting summertime facility.”

The Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool is the city’s newest outdoor family play experience, located in beautiful Kildonan Park.
The amenity now includes a new beach-style entry, wading pool with 21 spray features, double helix slides, and an expanded sundeck with shaded seating and gathering areas. The facility also includes improved accessibility with two specialty change rooms.

The $3,140,220 expansion and renovation of the pool is a joint partnership between the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Through the Manitoba-Winnipeg Recreation and Leisure Infrastructure Program, the province is contributing $1,127,688 and the City of Winnipeg $1,691,532 in funding. The City of Winnipeg is contributing an additional $371,000 to the project.

Today’s announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.8 billion this year, into infrastructure to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

The pool is open daily, from Noon to 8 p.m., weather permitting, up to and including Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Parking is free of charge at Kildonan Park.

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Government supports dance in Manitoba - Have yourself a nice dance

April 29, 2010

INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY CELEBRATED AT MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE BUILDING
The importance of dance to Manitoba’s way of life was recognized today by Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino as she celebrated International Dance Day by watching performances at the Legislative Building.

“Last year, government supported dance in the province with more than $1.4 million in funding for dance or dance-related initiatives,” said Marcelino. “Manitoba is home to a wide variety of nationalities and dance is one way in which we showcase that diversity.”



The province is represented by numerous dance companies including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Contemporary Dancers, Ruth Cansfield Dance, TRIP Dance, Summer Bear Dance Troupe, Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Chai Folk Ensemble, India School of Dance, L’Ensemble Folklorique de la Rivière-Rouge, NAfro Dance Productions, Magdaragat/Kayumangi Performing Arts and many others.



Marcelino noted the work of Stephanie Ballard and Margaret Piasecki of the Winnipeg Dance Preservation Initiative. The initiative, established in 2006 by Ballard and Piasecki with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, supports all efforts to celebrate the past, present and future of dance in Manitoba. Celebrating International Dance Day is one of its primary annual events.



Marcelino also reminded Manitobans the 2010 Provincial Dance Festival will be held May 9 to 23. The annual event has grown from a one-day program to a 14-day event, featuring performances by more than 1,600 dancers from across the province.



“Dance is the artistic expression of emotions, feelings and opinions through the movement of the body. Dancing is a way to show how much we enjoy life,” said Marcelino. “I invite all Manitobans to celebrate International Dance Day.”

The goal of International Dance Day is to increase awareness among the general public of the importance of dance, as well as to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education.