TORONTO – The federal government has unveiled a new fund to support the creation of interactive cultural content and applications developed by Aboriginal and ethnocultural communities, official-language minority communities, and other not-for-profit cultural organizations.
The Canada Interactive Fund (CIF) will invest $37.5 million over five years and be put in place in 2010-2011.
Building upon the Partnerships Fund and the Gateway Fund, the CIF is expected to build technical capacity within the funded organizations, possibly allowing for future commercial potential and the creation of new jobs. It will encourage the development of highly interactive cultural content and include Web 2.0 applications and mobile platforms.
"Canadians want to access more meaningful and more relevant cultural content online," said Dean Del Mastro, parliamentary secretary to Heritage Minister James Moore, in the announcement. "Our government is committed to enhancing how the Internet and new technologies provide all Canadians with an interactive space where they can experience, express, and share their culture."
