Don’t miss the many Canadian cultural and heritage events happening across the country

From music and dancing in the streets to celebrations of our traditions and heritage, festivals are memorable events to come together. They bring Canadians together, unite communities and contribute to their prosperity. This year, a wide range of hundreds of festivals are taking place across the country.

During a visit to the Festival d’été de Québec 2022, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Lieutenant of Quebec, Pablo Rodriguezreaffirmed the government of from Canada support for the vitality of its festivals. Workers and organizations in the live performance sector have been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of Canada has supported them since the beginning, and continues to do so, notably through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program, with an ongoing annual grants and contributions budget of $13.76 million for local arts and heritage events and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF), with an ongoing annual grants and contributions budget of $32.3 millionboth administered by Canadian Heritage.

During his visit to Quebec, the Minister highlighted more than $2.1 million in funding from Canadian Heritage for the Quebec region, in particular for the following festivals: Carrefour international de théâtre, ComedieHA! Fest-Québec, Festival Envol et Macadam, Pow Wow Odanak and Fêtes de la nouvelle France.

Across the province, more than $17.2 million was distributed in the festivals of Quebec in 2021-2022 through these ongoing programs, as well as through temporary measures put in place to support the relaunch of the arts, culture and heritage sectors.

Since the early weeks of the pandemic, special funds have been made available urgently to bolster regular funding, to maintain the professional expertise and structures that make these Canadian cultural experiences possible. These investments have made a difference in supporting the long-term growth and competitiveness of Canadian festivals, as well as encouraging audience return and development.

As summer approaches, let’s get together and take part in these festivals that are sure to leave us with lasting memories.

“Finally, we have found our festivals! It is with a sigh of relief that we can see our artists back on stage at our favorite festivals. We know the pandemic has not been easy, but we continue to support our cultural events in their recovery. With this support, they can continue to showcase our culture, attract visitors from all over, and create good jobs for Canadians. This summer and throughout the year, let’s encourage our artists to Quebec and all over the country! —Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage