Federal Government Invests $3.65 Million in Arts Training

TORONTO, January 23, 2013 - Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton and Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood–St. James–Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced new investments for the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Glenn Gould School, the National Youth Orchestra Association of Canada, and the Canadian Opera Company.

“These organizations represent the highest standards in music education and are dedicated to nurturing their students so they reach their highest potential,” said Minister Fletcher. “Our Government is pleased to support these schools with a combined investment of over $3.5 million, which will help provide talented Canadian students with the skills necessary for success.”

All three institutions have impressive reputations within both the Canadian and international music communities. The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world. The National Youth Orchestra Association, meanwhile, has provided training to emerging Canadian artists for over 50 years and has been twice voted “best youth orchestra in the world” by the World Youth Orchestra. The Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America.

“Our Government recognizes that arts and culture are important generators of economic growth, jobs and wealth in our communities,” said Minister Raitt. “By supporting these organizations, we are investing in Canada’s greatest cultural resources—our human capital—by investing in the training of future generations of Canadian artists that will make us all proud.”

“As one of the largest and most respected music and arts education institutions in the world, the Royal Conservatory is grateful to the Government of Canada for its continued investment in our Glenn Gould School,”' said Dr. Peter Simon, President of the Royal Conservatory. “'This support contributes to the development of the next generation of gifted musicians at the Glenn Gould School, supporting the vital role music plays in our society and strengthening Canada’s cultural standing around the world.”

The Government of Canada is providing total funding of $3,650,000 to the following three music training schools through the Canada Arts Training Fund:

• Royal Conservatory of Music's Glenn Gould School: $1,750,000 (2013–14)
• National Youth Orchestra Association of Canada: $1,600,000 (2013–15)
• Canadian Opera Company: $300,000 (2013–14)

The Canada Arts Training Fund contributes to the development of Canadian creators and future cultural leaders of the Canadian arts sector by supporting the training of artists with high potential through institutions that offer training of the highest calibre.