Tourism, Culture and Recreation
July 15, 2014
Cultural Industries Continue to Promote Province’s Identity
Theatre Festivals Receive $280,000 in Operational Support
The theatre festival season is well underway again this year with support of $280,000 through the Provincial Government’s Cultural Economic Development Program. The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, made the announcement at the opening of the Stephenville Theatre Festival this past weekend.
“Our province boasts a wealth of talent in the theatre sector and in the arts community in general. Year after year, our province’s theatre festivals continue to offer a wide variety of entertaining and memorable performances, attracting both residents and visitors. As a government, we are pleased to support the festivals and the talented professionals who work tirelessly to create, produce and showcase the many incredible performances.”
-The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Celebrating its 36th season, the Stephenville Theatre Festival received $35,000 under the Cultural Economic Development Program to help support operations and season productions for 2014. The festival runs until August 10.
“I am delighted with this investment in the development of our province’s theatre festivals, and especially pleased with the funding allocated to the Stephenville Theatre Festival. The festival is celebrating its 36th season and, each year, draws a host of tourists to the Bay St. George area. It provides a great venue to showcase the phenomenal talent that exists in our province, adding to the community’s economic and social fabric.”
- Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port
The Cultural Economic Development Program provides financial support to professional arts organizations for events or projects which stimulate sustainable economic development of the province's cultural resources. For more information about the cultural component of the program, visit www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/artsculture/cedp/index.html
.
“We are proud of the relationship we have with the Provincial Government. The funding we receive is integral to our ability to mount a season and we are grateful for their continued support. This year, we have introduced a new Artistic Director and a new Musical Director. Lois Brown and Pamela Morgan are two of Newfoundland and Labrador’s established and reputable professionals and have created a season that is decidedly traditional and celebrates the great history and culture of our province. We are confident our audience will love what they have created, and though it may be a departure from our previous seasons, it is a return to our roots.”
- Elizabeth Brown, Stephenville Theatre Festival Board Chair
A complete list of theatre festivals which have received funding through the Provincial Government’s 2014-15 Cultural Economic Development Program can be found in the backgrounder below.
QUICK FACTS
- Through the 2014-15 Cultural Economic Development Program, the Provincial Government has provided $280,000 in operational support to theatre festivals throughout the province.
- The Cultural Economic Development Program provides financial support to professional arts organizations for events or projects that stimulate sustainable economic development of the province’s cultural resources.
- The Provincial Government has invested $96 million since the launch of Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture in 2006.
- 30 -
Media contact:
| Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
| Donna R. Pippy General Manager Stephenville Theatre Festival 709-643-4982 stfeventmanager@gmail.com |
BACKGROUNDER
2014-15 Cultural Economic Development Program Funding (Culture) for Theatre Festivals
| 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 | $35,000 |
| Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador | $75,000 |
2014 07 15 9:45 a.m.