Executive Council
November 17, 2017
Provincial Government Continues to Support Cultural and Experiential Tourism
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced $500,000 to support Theatre Newfoundland Labrador in the construction of a new multi-functional theatre complex in Cow Head.
Premier Ball was joined by Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, who announced a total of $3.7 million in Government of Canada funding towards this project. Of this total, $2 million is being provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and $1.7 million is provided on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are investing a total of $4.2 million towards Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s new 2,000 square metre theatre complex will include a 178-seat venue for the Gros Morne Theatre Festival dinner theatre and musical productions. The new complex will include a performance stage and house seating, rehearsal and studio performance space, dressing rooms, a full kitchen and bar service area, a fabrication shop, a wardrobe workshop, wardrobe storage space, offices, as well as a box office and lobby areas.
These investments build on the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This strategy involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including support for projects that help position small and medium-sized businesses in the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a rich cultural tourism industry that celebrates our identity, and is creating new economic and business opportunities for people across this province. Our government is committed to supporting our arts and tourism industry as we further position ourselves on the global stage.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with organizations like Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador which demonstrate the vision, fortitude and innovative spirit which will help move Canada’s economy forward. This initiative will create jobs for more than 100 people during construction and increase economic activity for the benefit of businesses and residents throughout the region.”
Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, our government is proud to invest in cultural infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador and all across the country. Modern, well-equipped venues provide space for artists to create and for audiences to enjoy a variety of cultural experiences. With this new facility, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador will be able to continue to produce quality theatre for residents and visitors alike.”
Honourable Melanie Joly
Minister of Canadian Heritage
“Tourism traffic generated by the Gros Morne Theatre Festival has been instrumental in the growth of a cluster of tourism activities in this area. Increasing its capacity, improving its infrastructure and enhancing its product will strengthen the impact of Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador as a cultural tourism generator and will benefit businesses and residents throughout this region for many years to come.”
Gudie Hutchings
MP for Long Range Mountains
“Theatre Newfoundland Labrador is thrilled with the partnership of the federal and provincial governments in forging ahead with the creation of a multi-functional theatre complex in Cow Head! Professional theatre is alive and well in this province and this new facility at the Gros Morne Theatre Festival, will allow TNL to continue flourishing, offering quality professional theatre and attracting top notch artists to the region and welcoming audiences from around the world. This new facility will secure the future of the company as a major player in the cultural tourism industry of Newfoundland & Labrador.”
Katrina Basha
Chair, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador
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Learn More
Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador - www.theatrenewfoundland.com 
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @ACOACanada and @CdnHeritage
Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
Gaylene Buckle
Theatre Newfoundland
709-639-7238
tnl@theatrenewfoundland.com
2017 11 17 12:15 p.m.