Keddy brings ‘HomeMade’ funding

Gerald Keddy, MP for South Shore – St. Margaret’s came to the Brooklyn waterfront park Aug. 6 to announce $10,000 in funding for the Queens Recreational Boating Association.

The money is going towards Queens County SeaFest’s “HomeMade” program, which is directed at bringing artists to the festival that have a Queens County connection. Seafest will run from Aug. 21-24 this year.

“We are very pleased to receive this support for HomeMade,” said Jean Robinson-Dexter, Chair of Queens County SeaFest. “The funding allows us to enhance our ability to showcase musicians and artisans connected with Queens County and the Queens County SeaFest.”

Queens Recreational Boating Association received funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, announced in Sept. 2007. Its intent is to give Canadians more access to have events and activities that present local arts and culture, and celebrate local history and heritage.

The program will continue into next year as well. Festivals going on from Jan. to Aug. 2009 can apply up to Sept. 1, 2008.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie.