The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Ron MacKinley, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, today announced funding to support the PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls and its growing success throughout rural Prince Edward Island.

“Tourism is a key contributor in helping to strengthen our local economy, which is why our Government is pleased to support the PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls in achieving continued success,” said Minister Shea. “This festival is an excellent example of how our Government is helping to strengthen the tourism market in rural communities across Prince Edward Island.”

The PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls presents traditional music, dance and storytelling in more than 35 rural community halls across Prince Edward Island. The festival takes place from June 13, 2013 to June 23, 2013.

“The province is very pleased to invest in the Festival of Small Halls,” said Minister MacKinley. “This successful festival brings people to rural communities and fills local halls and showcases our talented performers. It is a great cultural and economic boost at this time of year.”

The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, has invested $35,000 to help the PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls with marketing and promoting the Festival. The Government of Prince Edward Island has also invested $74,500 through the Department of Tourism and Culture, the Department of Fisheries Aquaculture and Rural Development, and the Acadian and Francophone Affairs Secretariat.

"We work closely with the halls to ensure an unparalleled experience for both performers and audiences,” said Ms. Debbie Atkinson, PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls Manager. “We are very proud of our Festival and very grateful for the on-going partnerships with both the Province of PEI and ACOA."

This festival gives Prince Edward Island the opportunity to highlight some of its local artists as well as some of the great, small rural communities across the Island, which helps to support rural tourism. The PEI Festival of Small Halls is a unique traditional music, dance and storytelling event highlighting the region’s Scottish, Irish and Acadian culture and heritage.

"The artists featured at this year’s Festival will once again be first-class, from singer-songwriter Dave Gunning to fiddler- extraordinaire Samantha Robichaud to funny-man Lorne Elliott, and many more in between,” said Ms. Tanya Gallant, PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls Programming Director. “Thanks to our partnership with the Government of PEI and ACOA, we are also able to feature Québec-based harmonica quartet D’Harmo, and BBC Award Winner Tim Edey from Scotland, both incredibly original acts not to be missed!"

www.smallhalls.com