Performing arts and vibrant festivals in communities across the country help artists develop and grow, attract tourists, and make life more enjoyable for Canadians. It is also a major economic driver for the creative sector, which represented over $56 billion alone of Canada's GDP in 2023-2024.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the vitality of this country's artists and arts organizations. Budget 2024 will provide the Canada Arts Presentation Fund with an additional $31 million over two years, starting in 2024-2025, to mitigate the impacts of inflation, help stabilize the recovery of the live presentation sector and bring our communities together to celebrate talented Canadians. Through the Fund, Canadians have access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in their communities.
Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced an investment in the Yukon Arts Centre through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. Over the span of four years, the Centre will receive $326,000, plus additional funding announced in Budget 2024. Minister St-Onge shared this news during a visit to Whitehorse, highlighting the crucial role the Centre plays in Yukon's cultural landscape. The investment will support the Centre's diverse programming of dance, theatre, music and family-oriented events. Highlights include the Midnight Sun Moppets Children's Festival and the Hanging Sky Tour, which visits remote communities in Yukon.
Through arts and culture, Canadians unite through our common, cultural touchstones and also through celebrating our differences that make us stronger collectively.
