July 31, 2013
Support for Theatre Festivals Helps Bring Dynamic Performances to Audiences
The province’s professional theatre festivals offer memorable and entertaining experiences to resident and non-resident visitors, and continue to contribute significantly to the local economy. With this in mind, a number of professional theatre festivals received a total of $275,000 today for operational funding through the arts component of the Provincial Government’s 2013 Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).
“Professional theatre festivals in Newfoundland and Labrador provide a unique means of promoting the talent and unique cultural identity of our towns and communities, and our government is pleased to provide $275,000 to support such endeavours,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “The world-class performances that take place in our province keep people talking long after the performances have ended.”
Minister French was joined by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and MHA for Grand Bank, for the announcement which took place at the Grand Bank Regional Theatre today. Lighthouse Productions, organizers of the Grand Bank Theatre Festival, received $40,000 under CEDP to help support operations and season productions.
“The renowned Grand Bank Theatre Festival has put Grand Bank on the map when it comes to professional theatrical performances,” said Minister King. “Our government recognizes not only the inherent cultural value in such theatre, but also understands the economic value of such a product. We are very pleased with the tourism draw this festival provides each year.”
Michael Worthman, Artistic Director of the Grand Bank Theatre Festival, said the funding will help facilitate the exciting performances taking place during the current season.
“We are excited for the 2013 season which has been a banner season to date,” said Mr. Worthman. “This support will help ensure we continue to deliver the high-quality performances for which the Grand Bank Festival is renowned.”
A complete list of theatre festivals receiving funding under the arts component of the Provincial Government’s 2013 Cultural Economic Development Program can be found in the backgrounder below.
Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides more than $17 million to support cultural and heritage sectors. Since the launch of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture in 2006, the Provincial Government has invested $87 million through the plan to promote culture and heritage in the province.
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Media contacts:
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Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
Corey Parsons Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Darin King MHA for Grand Bank 709-832-2531 CoreyParsons@gov.nl.ca |
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Michael Worthman Artistic Director Grand Bank Theatre Festival 709-832-2382 |
BACKGROUNDER
Cultural Economic Development Program (Arts Component)
The Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) provides financial support to professional arts organizations for events or projects which stimulate sustainable economic development of the province's cultural resources.
The objectives of the program are:
- To improve economic opportunities for professional artists;
- To develop a diversity of cultural products;
- To contribute to the stability of sectoral organizations;
- To encourage self-sustaining economic arts activities; and,
- To support growth of the cultural tourism industry.
For more information about the program visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/heritage/cedp/index.html
Cultural Economic Development Program Support (Arts Component) for 2013-14
| Organization | Total |
|---|---|
| Beyond the Overpass Theatre | $30,000 |
| Grand Bank Regional Theatre | $40,000 |
| New World Theatre | $25,000 |
| Rising Tide Theatre | $75,000 |
| Stephenville Theatre Festival | $30,000 |
| Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador | $75,000 |
2013 07 31 3:15 p.m.