Changes Announced for Province’s Arts and Culture Centres

Arts and Culture Centres in the province are set to offer an online ticketing system. This initiative is one of several advancements announced today by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

“The initiatives we are launching for the regional Arts and Culture Centres build on investments made under our cultural strategy,” said Minister French. “We have made it a priority to review the renowned Arts and Culture Centres, and we have been working hard on an energized vision. We believe the new approach demonstrates the tenacity of our efforts.”

Beginning Monday, August 29, patrons will be able to purchase tickets online for performances at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre. The implementation of online ticketing for the remaining five regional Arts and Culture Centres will follow a phased-in approach and will be available early in 2012. The new system will allow people to book online, provide input into future programming, and quickly find out about show cancellations and schedule changes. The box offices will still be available for those who prefer to purchase tickets in the traditional manner.

To complement the online ticketing system and to bring a fresh face to the centres, the regional Arts and Culture Centres are introducing a new look featuring a redesigned website and a new multi-coloured logo through which each of the six centres are represented.

In addition to these initiatives, the Provincial Government is investing $375,000 in Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador. The funding will help bring arts and culture programming to a larger audience throughout the province by creating more partnerships with community groups, schools, and arts organizations. For example, the award winning play Dying Hard will be seen in at least 20 communities because of an increased focus on partnerships. This effort will play a significant part in supporting the province’s creative sector.

Also announced today were details of the fall and winter season at the Arts and Culture Centres.

“The new line-up has something for everyone,” said Aiden Flynn, Manager of Programming and Partnerships for the Arts and Culture Centres. “The talents of Newfoundland and Labrador icons like Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers and Wonderful Grand Band, combined with the nostalgia surrounding Rising Tide Theatre’s Brand New Beat, anticipation of Jim Cuddy’s new solo album, and the power of the award-winning Dying Hard are bound to please audiences across the province.”

To check out the new logo and website for the Arts and Culture Centres or to get more information about upcoming performances, visit www.artsandculturecentre.com. Find the Arts and Culture Centres on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Since the cultural strategy Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture was introduced in 2006, the Provincial Government has invested over $56 million in new funding in the cultural and heritage sectors.

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2011 08 26                                     11:20 a.m.