Strategic Investments Strengthen Cultural Opportunities in Corner Brook

Corner Brook Rotary Arts Centre Supported with $362,000 Investment

A Provincial Government investment of $362,000 will support the development of a new Rotary Arts Centre in Corner Brook. The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today at Corner Brook City Hall. Premier Marshall was joined by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West, municipal leaders, as well as representatives from the Corner Brook Arts Centre Association.

“Artistic talent and expression represent an important part of our culture and heritage in Newfoundland and Labrador, and art galleries and centres showcase art, music and creativity to residents and visitors to our province. I am pleased that this investment of $362,000 will support the arts community, and provide a cultural asset to the people of the Corner Brook region which will inspire more creative and inspired cultural initiatives.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The new multi-purpose arts centre includes a 100-seat theatre, art gallery, artists’ studios and exhibition space. Funding will be utilized for architectural and design costs, building renovations, mechanical and electrical services, and theatre equipment. The centre is expected to be completed by the summer.

“The new Corner Brook Rotary Arts Centre will provide much needed public studio space, theatre and rehearsal space, as well as art education facilities. We are happy to support the new centre with this investment and I am confident the centre will become a hub for arts activity and tourism, ultimately leading to new opportunities in the Corner Brook region.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

Located in City Hall in the heart of the Corner Brook’s downtown, the new arts centre will further support the region’s thriving arts community.

“The arts community in Corner Brook is strong and vibrant, and the arts centre will provide the opportunity to showcase and further develop the tremendous talent in the region. Hard work and determination has made the arts centre a reality, and I am pleased that residents and visitors will have access to a new facility to experience first-hand the artistic talent in the region.”
- Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West

With an increase in arts activity in the region and the proximity to the Fine Arts College at Sir Wilfred Grenfell, the development of the arts centre will encourage artists to stay and work in the region.

"We have been planning the Corner Brook Rotary Arts Centre for over four years. About a year ago we settled on a space thanks to the generosity of the City of Corner Brook. The art gallery, theatre and eight artists' studios is now well on the way to becoming a reality. We have had a tremendous level of support from the Provincial Government, and the financial assistance will go a long way toward helping us reach our goals. This funding support coupled with help from the Federal Government and our own fundraising efforts will see construction planning begin immediately with an opening projected for late spring or early summer 2014."
- David Smallwood, Chair, Corner Brook Arts Centre Association

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Premier Marshall today announced $362,000 in Provincial Government funding to support the completion of the Corner Brook Rotary Arts Centre; a new multi-purpose centre which will house a 100-seat theatre, gallery space and artists’ studios.
• Funding will support design costs, building renovations, mechanical and electrical services, and the addition of new theatre equipment.
• The new arts centre will be located in the Corner Brook City Hall and will complement the regions existing arts community and the programs offered at the Fine Arts College at Sir Wilfred Grenfell. The arts centre is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2014.

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2014 02 19                            12:55 p.m.