JUDIQUE (NS) – September 15, 2009 – Local residents and visitors to Judique will soon be able to participate in new cultural activities at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre (CMIC) thanks to investments from the Government of Canada through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC).
“Our government’s investment in this project enhances the local Celtic music community and Cape Breton’s tourism industry,” said The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Providing additional programming at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre means giving visitors and residents alike an even deeper understanding of the music so integral to Cape Breton culture.”
The CMIC Society will make capital improvements to the Centre and will undertake a cultural research project. A team has been assembled to collect audio and video recordings and photographs of musicians and music resource people in Inverness County. The information gathered will be made available to those interested in the interpretation of Cape Breton Celtic music and will be used in the development of future programming at the Centre.
“Our local performers are always eager to communicate to the world the fascinating musical history of Cape Breton,” said CMIC Music Director, Allan Dewar. “This project will add to our ongoing work to collect, preserve and promote traditional music through education, research and performance.”
Since opening in 2006, the CMIC has been a focal point for Celtic music enthusiasts and those interested in learning more about traditional Cape Breton culture. The Centre hosts regularly scheduled ceilidhs and is home to the Buddy MacMaster School of Fiddling. It boasts a “kitchen party” - inspired performance space, a green room for artists, a gift shop, research room, recording area, exhibit room, archives and office space.
The total cost of the project is $442,174. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is providing funding in the amount of $319,124.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
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INFORMATION:
Allan Dewar
Music Director
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre
902-787-2708
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617