THETFORD MINES, Quebec - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced funding for the 17th Festival de la relève de Thetford Mines, which will take place from August 19 to 21, 2010.

This funding will help the organization present this free family-oriented event. Music is the focus of this festival, and its 2010 program will feature around 30 musical performances in a wide variety of musical styles, including rock, alternative, country, pop, blues, and folk. The festivities will also include artists painting onsite and young people creating graffiti art on a wall provided for that purpose. Young children will have the chance to meet performers and entertainers. Between 50 and 75 local artists and close to 275 volunteers will be part of the event.

"Our Government is proud to support events like the Festival de la relève de Thetford Mines, which showcases the musical diversity of this magnificent region and is a great source of entertainment for people of all ages," said Minister Moore. "Activities such as this allow us to build more dynamic communities, while providing Canadians with opportunities to take part actively in the life of their community outside major urban centres."

"Our Government is committed to supporting events that promote the creativity of our artists and that bring together Canadian communities," said Minister Paradis. "The residents of Thetford Mines have every reason to be proud of their region and its up-and-coming artists. The Festival contributes to the development of the local economy, while strengthening the community's sense of belonging."

The Festival de la relève de Thetford Mines is a non-profit organization whose chief mandate is to organize an artistic and cultural activity for the city of Thetford Mines and to encourage future artists from the community.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $14,600 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.