OWEN SOUND.- Residents and visitors to Owen Sound have an opportunity to enjoy a new exhibition at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound), on behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the traveling exhibition "Dark Matter: The Great War and Fading Memory." The exhibition is featured at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery throughout this spring and summer.

Funding of $12,530 supports the installation of the exhibition and its shipping to and from the Confederation Centre Art Gallery of Charlottetown. "Dark Matter" brings together artefacts and archival materials to evoke the fading memory of the Great War.

"By investing in our heritage, we provide Canadians with opportunities to learn about our shared history," said Minister Verner. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support this exhibition, which will attract new and returning visitors to the museum."

"I am pleased that the Government is investing in this special exhibition featured at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, a key attraction in Owen Sound," said M.P. Miller, "This museum has a reputation for excellence, and this new exhibition reflects the dynamic nature of this important institution."

"The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for supporting the presentation of 'Dark Matter: The Great War and Fading Memory' in our community," said Stuart Reid, Director and Curator of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. "The exhibition has a profound significance for the people of Owen Sound and gives the Tom Thomson Art Gallery the opportunity to reach out to regional and national audiences."

The Government of Canada is providing this funding through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Museums Assistance Program. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.