Further Upgrades Made to Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre

The Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre in Gander has been spruced up once again thanks to an investment of $218,000 provided by the Provincial Government for the installation of a new rigging system. This funding is in addition to the $200,000 previously invested for new seating and carpet in the main theatre.

“Our provincial Arts and Culture Centres are important pieces of our cultural infrastructure,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “It is where we have traditionally showcased a wealth of local talent and creativity – and where we have been introduced to different artists and art forms from across the country and around the world. The improvement to the Gander centre, as well as other centres, is essential to maintain and protect the investment in these facilities. Upgrades provide patrons and performers alike with a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere for many years to come.”

“This additional investment for the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre in Gander is phenomenal,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander. “Updating these cultural facilities is important to our government as it provides a place for artists and performers to come from all over and showcase their many talents.”

This funding is in addition to the more than $2.5 million previously announced for infrastructure upgrades to the centres in Stephenville (new seating and carpeting); Corner Brook (new seating and carpeting); Labrador West (stage drapery); and, St. John’s (Basement Theatre renovations, renovations to box office, new fire curtain and drapery, replacement of flooring, increased wheelchair access, and upgrades for on-stage rigging systems).

Since the introduction of the Province’s cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador (2006), over $44 million in new funding has been invested in the culture and heritage sectors.

For more information about the Provincial Arts and Culture Centres, please visit: www.artsandculturecentre.com

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
DianaQuinton@gov.nl.ca

2011 04 01             9:45 a.m.