Imperial Canada Continues Arts Program

Source from:  Tobaccoreporter.com Nov 11, 2008 11/12/2008

The Imperial Tobacco Canada Foundation said yesterday it was launching two arts awards to support and honor artistic achievement across Canada. Beginning with the 2009 donations cycle, the Foundation will award $75,000 – the Arts Achievement Award – on an annual basis to an arts organization in recognition of an extraordinary and sustained contribution to arts and culture in Canada. And the Foundation will offer also the New Creation in the Arts awards: 10 annual donations of $50,000 each to support arts organizations in the commissioning and presentation of new works of art. "Imperial Tobacco Canada has close to a 40-year history of supporting the arts in Canada," said Benjamin Kemball, president and CEO of Imperial Tobacco Canada and chair of the Foundation"s board. "Although regulatory circumstances have changed, we have steadfastly continued to provide financial assistance to arts organizations across the country in a responsible manner. "Today, despite economic pressures, we continue this tradition with these programs that will help arts organizations produce innovative pieces that challenge us and contribute to this country"s cultural heritage." Established in 2005, the Foundation is a private charitable organization funded solely by Imperial Tobacco Canada and responsible for managing the company"s donations programs. Since its creation, the Foundation has distributed almost $10 million in funding to arts organizations across the country. "The Foundation is honored to be an important supporter of the arts in Canada," said Joan Pennefather, general manager of the Foundation. "We are confident that these two programs will fit the needs of Canadian artists and continue the Foundation"s work of consistent support to the artistic community in Canada with no strings attached." Enditem