/EINPresswire.com/ -- MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb 23, 2017) - Government of Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, are pleased to announce the Government of Canada's support for MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE.

Thanks to this funding, festival visitors will be able to enjoy a full program of lights, performing arts and cuisine at the 18^th edition of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE. The festival runs from February 23 to March 11, 2017, and coincides with the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and the 375^th anniversary of Montréal this year.

Canada Economic Development (CED) is making a contribution of up to $751,000 over two years. This funding, provided by the Quebec Economic Development Program, seeks to promote MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE in the international market in 2017 and 2018. The funding will support the design and implementation of a completely new activity in 2017: Curling en lumière.

Canadian Heritage is providing $110,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to support indoor shows, outdoor events and the festival's Illuminart component.

Quick Facts

• MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, founded in 2000, is a winter festival that hosts more than 1 million visitors in the Quartier des spectacles each year.
• The event's cultural component features 300 activities and performances and brings together more than 600 artists from 13 countries.
• In addition to music, dance, theatre and circus performances, the18^th edition's eclectic program-which pays tribute to the city of Lyon-includes Illuminart, a 3.6-kilometre circuit of 25 interactive illuminated works, curling with lanes and stones featuring interactive lighting, a Ferris wheel, a zip line, an urban slide and culinary events.

Quotes

"MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE is an excellent opportunity to come together to celebrate both the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and the 375^th anniversary of Montréal in a lively, enchanting atmosphere. The event showcases the creativity of our fellow Canadians, who know how to make the most of winter's undeniable charms."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The tourism industry generates major economic impacts that benefit all Canadians by creating rewarding, high-quality jobs for the middle class. By supporting the promotion of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE internationally and by giving the festival the means to offer breathtaking activities and programming, the Government of Canada is encouraging visitors from around the world to attend."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

Associated Links

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

Quebec Economic Development Program

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