Tourism, Culture and Recreation
June 17, 2009
Summer Theatre Festivals Supported Through $243,000
Investment
The summer theatre festival season is upon us, and the Provincial
Government has once again invested heavily to support a number of
professional theatre companies in their efforts to draw visitors and
residents alike to high-quality theatrical productions which celebrate
and promote Newfoundland and Labrador�s rich culture.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and
Recreation, said $243,000 has been allocated to summer theatre festivals
through the cultural component of the Cultural Economic Development
Program (CEDP), a $2.8 million program which supports arts, cultural and
heritage initiatives throughout the province.
"These events highlight the enormous amount of theatrical talent and
expertise which exists in Newfoundland and Labrador � both on stage and
behind the scenes � and generate important economic benefits in the
regions in which they are held," said Minister Jackman. "The Provincial
Government�s ongoing support for the theatre sector is part of our
commitment to build our cultural industries through implementation of
our cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador, which
has so far seen more than $25 million in new funding injected into the
cultural and heritage sectors since 2006."
Theatre festivals approved to date for 2009 CEDP funding are:
Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador � $70,000 to offset costs
associated with the production of its 14th annual
Gros Morne Theatre Festival, located in Cow Head, to run until
September 19.
Rising Tide Theatre � $70,000 to offset costs
associated with the production of its Seasons in the Bight
Festival in Trinity, to run through to October 15.
Lighthouse Productions � $35,000 to offset
costs associated with the production of its 2008 Grand Bank
Regional Theatre Festival, to be held in Grand Bank from June 27
to August 31.
Beyond the Overpass � $30,000 to offset costs
associated with the production of its 2009 Seabird Theatre
Festival, held at the Barbour Premises in Newtown, Bonavista
Bay.
Stephenville Theatre Festival � $25,000 to
offset costs associated with its 2009 summer theatre season.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the
Stephenville Theatre Festival, which is the longest-running
theatre festival in the province.
Placentia Area Theatre d�Heritage � $8,000 to
offset costs associated with producing its 2009 theatre program
in Placentia, running through to September 11.
Tramore Productions � $5,000 to offset costs
associated with the production of its 2009 summer program, held
in Cuslett, Placentia Bay.
CEDP projects are selected on the basis of business plans, vision and
potential for development within a specific sector. For more information
on guidelines, visit
www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_and_programs.htm.
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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
2009 06 17 10:00 a.m.