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NLIS 3 December 10, 2004 (Innovation, Trade and Rural Development) Three levels of government
join to support renovation and construction The Department of Canadian Heritage, Newfoundland and Labrador�s Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and the City of St. John�s have joined efforts to contribute to phase one of the renovation and construction of facilities at the Anna Templeton Centre for Craft Art and Design, located in downtown St. John�s. This project has received $146,243 from the Department of Canadian Heritage; $50,000 from the provincial Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development; and $150,000 from the City of St. John�s. The remaining funds needed to complete the work will come from the centre�s fundraising activities. Minister of Natural Resources and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, John Efford, today announced funding from the Government of Canada, on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Liza Frulla. "The Anna Templeton Centre is a hub for arts and culture in St. John�s," said Minister Efford. "The renovation and construction project will enable more citizens to take part in the centre�s numerous activities." "We must invest in the creative potential of our communities to build an innovative, forward-looking country," said Minister Frulla. "I am pleased to support this organization which contributes to the promotion of culture, the vitality of the economy and the improvement of the quality of life in Newfoundland and Labrador." In 2003, a feasibility study determined that the Anna Templeton Centre needed renovations to meet the increasing demand for its programs and activities. The first stage of the project will include architectural design for new and renewed space in the historic building, as well as the installation of an elevator to make the top three floors accessible to persons with disabilities. Designated a National Historic Site in 2001, the centre provides an excellent example of how a heritage building can be renovated, while taking into consideration the needs of the community. Any changes to the building have to take into account its heritage status. "The provincial government recognizes the quality of work at the Anna Templeton Centre. It has been instrumental in encouraging the continued development of our province�s artistic community," said Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This funding will ensure that the centre continues to produce great works, inspire artists and offer educational programs in a superior facility." "The Anna Templeton Centre contributes to the cultural heritage of the City of St. John�s. Congratulations to the board and staff for their initiative. The city looks forward to a continued partnership with the centre," said Mayor Andy Wells. The Anna Templeton Centre offers arts and crafts classes to adults and children, as well as professional development opportunities to practising artists and craftspeople. The centre also provides after-school and lunchtime arts programs in St. John�s and Mount Pearl, and houses Textile Studies, a two-year diploma program in collaboration with the College of the North Atlantic. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Spaces Canada program. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts and also improves physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. It is part of the Tomorrow Starts Today initiative which has been renewed for a fourth year with $207 million in funding. Media contact:
Available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under News Room. 2004 12 10 4:25 p.m. |
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