Prescott-Russell at the Heart of Celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017

Monday January 26th 2017 – Alfred, Ontario
Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, today announced funding of $150,000 to community art project Popsilos. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Thanks to this support, provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada 150 Fund, an important cultural and touristic project will take place in Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. Popsilos combines the agrifood and arts tourism to create a circuit through rural Prescott-Russell leading to the discovery of four giant paintings on farm infrastructures, preferably silos, belonging to farms that produce and sell products made from their land.


The giant paintings will present an interpretation of Canada’s diversity, the reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the environment from our youth’s perspective. An artists-in-residence program will be developed to host 8 to 12 artists between the ages of 18 and 30 and match them with local artists who will act as cultural mentors.
To make 2017 a year that all Canadians will remember, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in local, regional and Canada-wide projects.
The 150th anniversary of Confederation gives Canadians the opportunity to celebrate our shared values, our achievements, our majestic environment and our country’s place in the world. It is also an ideal opportunity for Canadians to get involved in their communities.

As we prepare for a year of celebration, the Government of Canada invites all Canadians to take part in activities surrounding the Canada 150 countdown. This is an opportunity for all of us to express what it means to be Canadian and how we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Quotes

“In 2017, Canada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that it means to be Canadian. The Government of Canada will create opportunities for Canadians to participate in local, regional, and national celebrations. Communities across the country will proudly take part in the festivities throughout the year to mark this significant anniversary in Canada’s history. Join the celebration—it’s happening in your community too!”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“We are at the beginning of a historic year. In 2017, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. This extraordinary project will showcase the cultural and agricultural wealth of our wonderful region while attracting tourists.”
—Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell

"With its vast countryside and its plethora of products and attractions, between Montreal and Ottawa, Prescott-Russell Tourism views the Popsilos project as an opportunity for the region to distinguish itself as a unique destination. We are thrilled to promote the project inside and outside our communities."
—Martin Lacelle, Executive Director, Prescott-Russell Tourism

Quick Facts

  • With the more than 12M tourists anticipated in Ottawa for 2017’s festivities, we estimate some 30,000 of them will visit the circuit between June 30 and October 31st.
  • An electronic guide will be developed to tell the story behind the artwork created and the participating producers.
  • The Government of Canada’s vision for the 150th anniversary of Confederation includes four major themes: diversity and inclusiveness, the environment, young people and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
  • The Canada 150 Fund, established in April 2015, has an overall budget of $210 million.
  • Through this fund, the Government of Canada will continue to invest strategically in activities that support the 150th anniversary vision and promote the direct involvement of Canadians

popsilos logo

 

Popsilos offers a unique touristic experience in Canada: a self-guided circuit that has visitors discover seven giant murals on farm silos in the Prescott-Russell countryside, while inviting them to stop at producers’ or artisans’ shops to check out local products.

Site Plan

Contact

jen@popsilos.ca

C. 613.447.6959


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