Governor General of Canada to Attend Closing Lunch at Inaugural World Congress of Arts Producers & Performance

"We are honoured that the Governor General has agreed to be the Patron of this World Congress and look forward to her participation in the closing lunch festivities," said Pat Ferns, president and CEO of the Banff Television Foundation. "Adrienne Clarkson's contribution and commitment to the arts community has been and continues to be invaluable. This is her creative community and we salute her ongoing efforts to foster Canadian culture at home and abroad."

Governor General Clarkson, a leading figure in Canada's cultural life, has had a rich and distinguished career in arts television with over 30 years experience in Canadian broadcasting. She has worked as host, writer and producer for several influential programs on CBC Television including Take Thirty, Adrienne at Large and the Fifth Estate. In 1988 she assumed responsibilities as executive producer, host and writer for the programs Adrienne Clarkson's Summer Festival and Adrienne Clarkson Presents, featuring Canadian artists, musicians, filmmakers, dancers and cultural figures. Her work in television has garnered her dozens of television awards in Canada and the U.S., including a 1993 Gemini Award for Best Host in a Light Information, Variety and Performing Arts Program.

Adrienne Clarkson has had a longstanding history with the Banff Television Festival, Canada's annual preeminent international television event, organized by the Banff Television Foundation. In 2002 she was in attendance to officially open the 23rd Festival and in 1990 she served as president of the Festival's International Jury, a prestigious group of world television representatives who decide the winners of the annual Banff Rockie Awards.

The World Congress of Arts Producers & Performance takes place November 5 to 8, 2003 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada. Major funders of this event are the Canada Council for the Arts, the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Host broadcasters are the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Radio-Canada in association with ARTV. ARTS & Performance will address key issues, explore creative and business opportunities, investigate areas of funding and new formats, examine future trends, and celebrate excellence in programming. Delegates to ARTS & Performance will also have the opportunity to attend the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards at the National Arts Centre on Saturday, November 8. For more information on ARTS & Performance and to register, go to banffmedia.com.

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