GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $750,000 FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE INITIATIVES

Saskatchewan is getting ready to celebrate its vibrant culture and history with the launch of the Building Pride program.

Building Pride is an annual $750,000 program that celebrates the rich history of Saskatchewan communities and our cultural accomplishments. This funding will be available for one-time special initiatives to commemorate and preserve Saskatchewan's history and culture.

"We have a lot to celebrate in Saskatchewan," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "The Building Pride program will showcase the historical and ongoing contributions that our arts, culture and heritage make to our quality of life. Recognizing and celebrating these contributions helps build community identity and sense of place."

The first recipient of the program is the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO). The orchestra is getting $200,000 for a Centennial tour of three southern Saskatchewan cities.

"The RSO is honoured to be the first organization granted funds from the Building Pride initiative," RSO executive director Natasha Bood said. "This funding will allow us to bring the excitement of live orchestral music directly to the residents of Southern Saskatchewan. Orchestral touring is becoming more and more rare, and this is such an exciting professional opportunity for our musicians, a fantastic outreach and audience-building opportunity for our organization, and it is the perfect way to celebrate 100 years of providing great orchestral music to our province."

"We are very pleased to be supporting the Regina Symphony Orchestra for the celebration of its centennial," Tell said. "The anniversary tour will increase access to classical music for audiences across southern Saskatchewan. I think it will be a great time for everyone who goes to see our musicians perform."

Organizations and communities that wish to apply for a Building Pride grant can go to www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/buildingpride for information on eligibility and funding.

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For more information, contact:

Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927