Significant Investments Made to Support Creative Production in 2013

The Provincial Government is committed to the continued development of the culture and heritage industries through Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture (2006). The plan was established to guide initiatives and investments over the long term to ensure greater support to these industries than in the past. To date, the Provincial Government has invested $87 million through the plan to promote culture and heritage in the province.

“Budget 2013 provides more than $17 million to develop creative projects, enhance arts facilities, assist festivals, and preserve historic sites,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “In addition, an allocation of $6 million is provided to The Rooms to support operations at Newfoundland and Labrador's largest public cultural space – a space created by the Provincial Government.”

Since 2006, funding for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council has more than doubled to $2.1 million annually, with no reduction in Budget 2013. The province continues to support the film industry by providing funding for new and ongoing productions employing various industry professionals. The Republic of Doyle has become one of the most watched television programs in the country – bolstering the provincial economy, drawing attention to the province, and enhancing employment opportunities in the cultural sector. The Provincial Government has also maintained its support for its Arts Bank Program, which is one of the most generous of its kind in the country. In addition, support for over 120 community museums, archives and historic associations continues, including the Colonial Building which is currently undergoing a multi-year enhancement that will see it fully restored and operating as a flagship Provincial Historic Site in 2015.

“I appreciate the concerns that have been stated by artists with respect to recent budget investments, but it is important to remember that the focus of this year’s budget was making spending more sustainable in response to reduced revenues,” said Minister French. “Our achievements in the areas of tourism, culture, and recreation were made possible through years of planning, investment, and partnership with the arts and heritage, tourism, and sport communities. We have made great strides together over the last decade, and I am confident we will achieve even more in the coming years.”

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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca 

2013 04 10             5:30 p.m.