Resource Centre for the Arts Celebrates Newly-Renovated Venue

Renovations are complete at the LSPU Hall, home of the Resource Centre for the Arts, thanks in part to a $613,000 investment from the Provincial Government.

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation made the announcement today at a Resource Centre for the Arts news conference, which will be followed this evening by an official reopening reception and a performance of the Gordon Pinsent play, Easy Down Easy.

"The LSPU Hall is much more than just a performance venue," said Minister French. "While it is a place where established artists present their work, it is also a place where emerging artists are mentored and nurtured and given an opportunity to further hone their craft. The upgrades and renovations to the hall will no doubt enhance the facility's ability to develop, promote and attract even more high-quality theatrical and artistic events."

Renovations include the updating of the main stage on the upper level, complete with a new backstage area; new technical equipment; a new riser system; and, improved dressing rooms. New seating and an air-conditioning system were also installed in the theatre to improve working conditions for artists and enhance audience enjoyment.

Sherry White, Chair of the Board of Directors, Resource Centre for the Arts, said the generous support of the Provincial Government has been a key part of the team effort that brought the renovation to fruition.

"After years of planning and dreaming, working with wonderful architects and contractors, the LSPU Hall is open and ready for business," said Ms. White. "As we enter this new era, we look forward to sharing all the changes and new experiences that lie ahead. These improvements are essential to enhancing services to our audiences, artists and organizations that use the hall."

Improved amenities on the lower level, such as new bathrooms, a new front entrance, and an elevator will bring the facility up to standards with other modern buildings, making it more inviting and accessible to the public. In addition, renovations to a second theatre space will provide an area where smaller projects which are in development can be rehearsed and prepared prior to being performed on the main stage.

The $1.8 million LSPU Hall renovation project was a joint investment between the provincial, federal, and municipal governments and the arts community. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation also provides the Resource Centre for the Arts with an annual $75,000 operating grant through its Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

Since the launch of the province's cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador (2006), the Provincial Government has tripled its annualized support for provincial arts and cultural organizations and programming, from $3 million to $9 million. During that five-year period, more than $28 million in new funding has been allocated in support of the arts and culture sectors.

The Resource Centre for the Arts is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development, promotion and presentation of art and artists of Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information visit: www.rca.nf.ca 

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2010 10 05                                                    2:45 p.m.