Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival Receives Additional Funding

The Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Festival has received $25,000 through the Provincial Government's Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) to help offset costs associated with the presentation of its 9th annual event, taking place July 13-18.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in blues, funk, jazz, R&B, reggae, and more to get out and enjoy local, national and international artists," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "Activities include indoor and outdoor concerts, along with educational workshops, in a variety of venues."

The CEDP investment is in addition to more than $26,600 announced earlier this year, through the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development's Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund, to assist with the organization's marketing efforts.

"The Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Festival is a significant cultural and economic event," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "In addition to entertaining audiences from across Newfoundland and Labrador, it attracts visitors to the province, which leads to direct and indirect benefits for the accommodations sector, food and beverage industry, and other local businesses."

For further information and a complete schedule of events, visit:
www.wreckhousejazzandblues.com/jazz-blues-festival-schedule.htm 

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's investment has been invaluable in helping Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues to develop the programming, staff structure and brand marketing strategy required to successfully present the Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival," said Kirk Newhook, Executive/Artistic Director of Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues. "Without this assistance, our development would be years behind where it is today."

The 2010 CEDP program is providing about $1.2 million to the professional arts sector and $1.27 million to the heritage sector, for a total of almost $2.5 million.

CEDP applications are considered based on the strength of the business plans, vision and potential for development within the sector. For more information on the CEDP program for the arts, as well as application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/artsculture/cedp/index.html. 

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2010 07 09                                                   9:55 a.m.