Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
December 21, 2017
Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Invest Over $3 million in Arts and Culture Centres
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South- Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced an investment of approximately $3.3 million for upgrades and specialized equipment for the six arts and culture centres in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government is contributing $1.4 million towards this initiative with the Federal Government providing $1.9 million.
This investment will enable the arts and culture centres to increase community use and capacity, expand programming and reach wider audiences.
The St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre will receive new seating to replace the original 50-year-old chairs in the mainstage theatre; new flooring in the main theatre and concourse; a more accessible entrance to the Barbara Barrett Theatre in the centre’s basement; and upgraded audio and lighting equipment based on client need and industry standards.
The five other centres will receive upgrades to audio and lighting systems. Artists and technicians will be able to increase their creative capacity as the centres achieve current production standards.
The Government of Canada funding is being provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Quotes
“Arts and culture centres across Newfoundland and Labrador have a vibrant history of providing inspiration, support and guidance to many of this province’s best-loved and most well-known artists. Today’s announcement to enhance and improve the arts and culture centre network reiterates our commitment to artists in our province, and builds upon the recently announced Status of the Artist legislation. Guided by The Way Forward, this funding reaffirms our pledge to artists and the important role they play in society."
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Canada is home to some of the most talented artists and creative industry professionals in the world. As part of our vision to support our creative industries, our government is proud to invest in cultural infrastructure right across the country. These spaces support artists in their creative work, while giving the public the opportunity to experience their works.”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Canadian Heritage
“I am pleased our government is investing in improvements to our cherished arts and culture centres. Over the years, these centres have presented a wide variety of cultural experiences to Newfoundland and Labrador audiences, showcasing artists from our province, other parts of Canada, and from abroad. I am proud to announce funding for the centres in our Canada 150 year, particularly fitting for the St. John’s centre, which is a legacy project of the country’s Centennial year.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minster of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl
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Learn More
Arts and Culture Centres, Newfoundland and Labrador - https://artsandculturecentre.com
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund - www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/cultural-spaces-fund.html
Creative Canada - www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/creative-canada.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_creative-canada
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Simon Ross
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
2017 12 21 1:30 p.m.