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April 16, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Government announces study of province's Arts and Culture Centres

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that the study of the organizational structure of the province's six arts and culture centres is commencing. The Minister said that Graeme Page Associates has been awarded the contract to provide an analysis of possible alternatives in the restructuring of operations of the province's arts and culture centres. Graeme Page Associates of Toronto is an arts management consultant firm which has extensive experience in operational and market analysis of performing arts centres, feasibility studies, and surveys in all arts disciplines. The sub-consultant for this project is D.W. Knight Associates of St. John's. This local company specializes in economic development and strategic planning. D.W. Knight Associates also has extensive experience in community economic development and municipal planning. Four proposals were submitted by qualified consultants interested in studying the centres' operations.

"The department's Cultural Affairs Division has identified one possible option whereby the Arts and Culture Centres would operate as a somewhat independent, not-for-profit organization. Graeme Page Associates will determine the feasibility of this particular option and/or propose additional alternatives," Minister Kelly said. "The consultant team will seek input from various stakeholders including the managers of the Arts and Culture Centres, provincial arts organizations, major arts and culture clients, and municipal governments. The consultant team will also examine the operations and administration of other provincial and national performing arts centres."

Officials with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation anticipate that input from a wide range of stakeholders will be sought in the upcoming months. A public announcement of this consultation process will be made at that time.

In the past, government has looked at the option of transferring the Arts and Culture Centres to appropriate regional or community organizations. An acceptable arrangement, however, has not materialized. It is anticipated that this review, therefore, will lead to a new and mutually beneficial arrangement for these centres and government.

"After almost 30 years of being run by government, it is clear that other options for the centres need to be carefully analysed," the Minister said. "It is government's goal to implement a direction which will effectively and efficiently secure a variety of cultural programming while encouraging and giving representation to local artists and companies."

Graeme Page Associates has a broad range of experience in the areas of market research, analysis of arts and cultural touring programs, fundraising audits and feasibility studies for cultural and multi-use facilities in both rural and large urban areas thereby bringing a full national perspective to the centres' system in this province.

"Government is confident that the experience and expertise the local consult will provide to this study is a key component to the study's success," Minister Kelly said. "The department is looking forward to the final report and its recommendations which are expected to be completed by late summer."

Contact: Laura Cochrane, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0928 or fax: (709) 729-0870.