Bridgewater, NS – Gerald Keddy, Conservative Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, today announced federal funding of $3,700 for the Chester Art Centre Association.

“Our Government is proud to support the Chester Art Festival,” said MP Keddy. “By partnering with the Chester Art Centre Association we can assist them in providing opportunities for residents and visitors to learn about art in its many forms and experience it in a practical way.”

“Without the grant from Heritage Canada, the Chester Art Centre would not have been able to stage a major exhibition devoted to 250 years of art in the Municipality of Chester called Making Their Mark: Chester Artists Past and Present,” said Wayne Grigsby, Chair of the Chester Art Centre Association. “This additional funding allows us to put the extra time and curatorial effort necessary in mounting an exhibition we feel will make a huge contribution to the community celebration surrounding the 250th anniversary of the founding of Chester.”

In September 2007, the Conservative Government announced the new Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program to provide Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many community volunteers and artists who help to put this event together,” said MP Keddy. “This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Municipality of the District of Chester and it is great to see the Chester Art Centre Association contributing in its own unique way to the many celebrations being held throughout the year!”

The Chester Art Festival is a community event organized by the Chester Art Centre Association that will be held in Chester from August 5 to 8, 2009. Activities planned for the festival include an art lecture, art workshops and an art exhibition as mentioned above.