“The projects announced today will enhance streetscapes in historic Charlottetown, promote dialogue about the future, provide a legacy for Stratford, celebrate the performing and visual arts, and enhance our cultural tourism product,“ says Mr. Henderson.

PEI 2014 Inc. today announced recipients of PEI 2014 Fund large grants in Queens County and gave a preview of the projects the grants are supporting. The attached backgrounder provides the list of recipients and a description of the projects. Several other Queens County projects receiving a large grant from the PEI 2014 Fund will be announced at a later date pending confirmation of funding contributions from the federal government or other partners.

The PEI 2014 Fund offers three levels of funding: large grants from $25, 001 to $250,000; medium grants from $2015 to $25,000; and small grants up to $2014. A total of 550 applications seeking $28 million in funding were submitted to PEI 2014 Inc. during the application process that closed March 15, 2013. The successful applicants were determined by a three-step selection process that included an initial staff review; an adjudication by the 15-member PEI 2014 Community Advisory Committee; and final decisions by the PEI 2014 Board of Directors, based on recommendations from the Community Advisory Committee.

“The volunteer members of the Community Advisory Committee put in many hours reviewing and adjudicating the applications,” said John Horrelt, PEI 2014 Community Advisory Committee Chair. “Decisions were difficult because of the number and quality of the projects put forth for funding, but in the end the projects selected best meet the goals of the PEI 2014 Fund and will fill out the events calendar in 2014 from one end of the Island to the other from the beginning to the end of the year.”

Recipients of medium and small 2014 Fund grants and the projects they support will be announced before the end of June.

In 2014, Canadians will mark the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Confederation. PEI 2014 Inc. is facilitating the planning, promotion and implementation of the Sesquicentennial celebrations. The PEI 2014 celebrations are made possible through generous support from the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Canada. The year-long and province-wide PEI 2014 program of events will honour the past, celebrate the present and plan a bold tomorrow.

PEI 2014 Fund - Queens County Backgrounder

Theatrical Production, Charlottetown Festival July5 –August 30

Confederation Centre of the Arts

$240,000

In 2014, the Charlottetown Festival will celebrate the sesquicentennial of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference with a new, locally written theatrical production.

Fathers of Confederation Come to Life - Commemorative Public Art Sculptures Unveiled in June 2014

City of Charlottetown

$200,000

New public art will be commissioned and installed in outdoor locations in the City of Charlottetown. This series of exhibits will pay tribute to the Fathers of Confederation.

A bold tomorrow: Women, Leadership and Visioning Canada’s Future October 2014

Women’s Network

$170,000

Celebrating the contributions of women leaders, Canadians will be allowed to nominate and vote online for 23 diverse Canadian women leaders who will then be invited to contribute their individual vision for Canada's future in a published anthology.

Great George Heritage Walk Unveiled in May 2014

Charlottetown Area Development Corporation

$100,000

This project will see the development of an interpretive area extending along Great George Street from the waterfront to Province House.

Oh Canada Art Display April-September

Confederation Centre of the Arts

$90,000

This exhibition featuring the work of 62 Canadian artists includes art from every province and territory, and allows a rare opportunity to grasp key aspects of the country’s contemporary art scene as a whole.

Diversity Fountain Unveiled in September 2014

Town of Stratford

$95,000

The proposed structure of the fountain will consist of large granite boulders placed in concentric rings. In the very center of the ring of boulders will stand a commissioned bronze statue of famous Island aboriginal, Michael Thomas – a world-class long-distance runner.

Art in the Open August 11-August 23

This Town is Small

$70,000

With the theme of "Transforming Tomorrow“, local, regional and national artists will converge on downtown Charlottetown to transform its outdoor spaces as a metaphor for the transformation that occurred to our country when another convergence of talent and creative vision took place in downtown Charlottetown 150 years ago.

PEI Symphony presents 'Celebrate Canada!' November 21-November23

PEI Symphony Orchestra

$70,000

This event will include three new classical works composed by PEI composers, as well as a performance with an established PEI popular music artist. The concert will be professionally recorded and made available for sale within a few months of the event.

O'Brien National Harness Racing Awards

PEI Harness Racing Association Inc.

$45,000

The O’Brien Awards are the recognition of Canadian harness racing excellence. They are named in honour of the late Joe O’Brien, a native of Alberton, PEI who was one of the world’s premier harness racing competitors. The awards attract over 500 of the leading participants in harness racing from all across North America.

2014 Gold Cup Parade August 15

Charlottetown Parade Committee

$40,000

The 2014 Gold Cup Parade will feature the theme, “2014 – Celebrating 150 years since the 1864 Conference”. All parade entries will be encouraged to adopt this theme. The Fathers of Confederation will be honored as Parade Marshals and a signature 2014 Confederation Float will be created.

Maritime Heritage Fair June 2014

PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation

$35,000

Successful youth delegates (age 10-15 years) from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Heritage Fairs will come together in PEI to learn more about the history and culture of the three provinces. This is the first time a Maritime Heritage Fair will be held.

Pat and the Elephant Celebrating PEI 2014 Throughout 2014

Pat and the Elephant

$35,000

This project will increase capacity for 2014 by transporting current and potential clients to and from events in a safe, friendly, and efficient environment.