Over $30,000 Invested in Beyond the Overpass Theatre Company

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that Beyond the Overpass Theatre Company will receive $35,000 in operational support — an increase of $5,000 over 2009 funding levels — through the Provincial Government's Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

"These funds will be used to offset the costs associated with the production of the 2010 Seabird Theatre Festival, held annually at the Barbour Premises in Newtown, Bonavista Bay," said Minister French. "With a summer schedule filled with a wide variety of musical and theatrical performances, this year's festival is sure to please residents and visitors alike throughout the Bonavista region."

Harry Harding, MHA for Bonavista North, welcomed the investment.

"Our government has taken a keen interest in fostering the growth and development of our culture and heritage and this program ensures that we can continue to move forward in a meaningful way," said Mr. Harding. "As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we take great pride in the artists and the arts organizations that help tell our stories and promote our province. Over the past several years, Beyond the Overpass Theatre Company has become an important fixture on the cultural landscape of the north east coast and their efforts have provided a definite boost to the people in the entire region."

Steven Perry, General Manager with Beyond the Overpass Theatre Company, said Provincial Government support is an essential component in the advancement of artistic practice in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This support provides a clear indication that our government is sensitive to the needs of this growing industry," said Mr. Perry. "As a theatre company operating in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, the acknowledgement and support provided by the Provincial Government is particularly important. The funding enables us to do our part to help diversify and strengthen our local economy, while allowing us to serve as ambassadors for our region and our province."

For more information and a detailed schedule for the Seabird Theatre Festival, visit: www.beyondtheoverpass.ca/

Professional theatre festivals in Newfoundland and Labrador have been provided $255,000 in operational funding through the cultural component of the CEDP — a $25,000 increase over 2009 funding levels.
Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides approximately $2.5 million to support arts, cultural and heritage initiatives throughout the province, with $1.2 million earmarked for the arts and culture sectors. Since the launch of the cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador in 2006, the Provincial Government has invested more than $28 million into the arts and culture sectors.

CEDP applications are considered based on the strength of the business plans, vision, and potential development within the sector. For more information on the program and application guidelines, please visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/artsculture/cedp/index.html.

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