Government Continues to Support Celtic Colours

Government will continue to support Celtic Colours to promote, celebrate and develop Cape Breton’s Celtic culture through music, dance, storytelling and more.

Pam Eyking, MLA Victoria-The Lakes, on behalf of Tony Ince, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, announced today, March 13, a provincial commitment of $375,000 over the next three years, with an additional $45,000 this year for Canada 150 initiatives.

“Celtic Colours, and everything it entails, aligns with Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan,” said Ms. Eyking. “The festival brings our communities together, celebrates creativity, innovation and cultural diversity, all while driving our economy forward.”

Celtic Colours is an international festival that hosts performances and exhibitions in venues across Cape Breton Island, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from more than two dozen countries.

This year, with support through the Forward 150 Fund, the festival will be able to expand its programming to more communities with a focus on celebrating the province’s rooted population, First Nations, and our own Scottish Gaelic lineage. Celtic Colours will bring in artists from across the country, honour cultural ambassadors, and plant maple trees for every ticket sold for 2017.

“Celtic Colours is the perfect opportunity for Nova Scotians and visitors to experience our province’s vibrant culture and celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation,” said Ms. Eyking.

The festival runs Oct. 6 to 14. Details are available at celtic-colours.com.

Culture contributes $949 million to Nova Scotia's economy and provides almost 14,000 jobs, representing 2.7 per cent of the provincial gross domestic product and three per cent of all jobs in Nova Scotia.

To read Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan, visit www.novascotia.ca/culture.