INFORMATION RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 30, 2023 1:00 pm
BILLINGS LIBRARY BOARD RECEIVES GRANT FUNDING FOR NORTHWORDS FESTIVAL
KAGAWONG, ON: The Township of Billings Library Board was successful in receiving $9,993 from the Ontario Arts Council to support the NorthWords Festival.
The grant from the Ontario Arts Council, supports the creation, production, and presentation of artwork and community-engaged arts initiatives that benefit the communities in northern Ontario.
“We are extremely grateful for the grant from the Ontario Arts Council. This funding will allow us to host a premier event with activities and programming for our community,” said Billings Library Chair Willa Wilson.
The festival will take place July 21st and 22nd and features a wide range of talented individuals including author Shelley Pearen, author and TV writer Claire Ross Dunn, poet Sophie Ann Edwards, playwright Kirk Dunn, and artist Michael Cywink.
The first annual NorthWords Festival kicks off Friday afternoon with an opening ceremony featuring the M’Chigeeng Ladies Drum group and keynote address by Shelley Pearen. In the evening, the public can take part in the “Book & Brew” author reading/meet & greet at Split Rail Brewery. On Saturday the library will be holding its annual book sale fundraiser, as well as hosting a local author showcase with many authors from Manitoulin and the North Shore taking part. Artist Michael Cywink will also be there, creating a live, open-air painting. Throughout the day, several small group workshops on writing, poetry and knitting will run. The festival wraps up with a performance of Kirk Dunn’s acclaimed one-man show, “The Knitting Pilgrim.”
“On behalf of Council, we are pleased that the Library Board received funding from the Ontario Arts Council for the NorthWords Festival, these events that are so important to our community” said Mayor Bryan Barker
For more information on the NorthWords festival please contact NorthWordsFest@gmail.com
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Emily Dance, CAO/Clerk
Township of Billings
(705) 282-2611 ext.223
