Federal and Provincial Governments Invest More Than $3 Million in Arts and Culture Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador
This project will contribute to the upgrading of the Arts and Culture Centre network in Newfoundland and Labrador
ST. JOHN'S, Dec. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (St. John's South–Mount Pearl), announced an investment of $1.9 million in upgrades and specialized equipment for the six Arts and Culture Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister O'Regan made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, also announced provincial funding of $1.4 million for this project.
The Arts and Culture Centres are a division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and serve as creative spaces and professional presenters in six communities: St. John's, Gander, Grand Falls, Corner Brook, Stephenville, and Labrador City.
Throughout half a century, millions of patrons have enjoyed a wide spectrum of events on these six stages, ranging from multi-disciplinary music, theatre, and dance programs.
The upgrades announced today will enable the centres to increase community use and capacity, expand programming and reach wider audiences.
The majority of enhancements will take place at the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre, because of its age and level of activity. Renovations at the St. John's Centre will include 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 needs 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.
As part of Creative Canada, the Government of Canada's vision for our creative industries, the Government will be investing in more cultural venues in Canada.
The Government of Canada funding announced today is provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada dedicated an unprecedented $168.2 million to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund over two years. This was followed by an additional $300 million for the fund over 10 years in this year's budget.
Provincial funding comes from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.
Quotes
"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 an opportunity to experience their works."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"I am pleased to announce this funding during the 50th anniversary of the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre and as part of Canada 150. This investment will ensure that our arts and culture centres continue to offer local audiences a wide variety of cultural experiences, while showcasing artists from our province, other parts of Canada, and around the world. It also demonstrates our commitment to supporting the creative endeavours that have helped make Newfoundland and Labrador one of the prime cultural destinations in Canada."
—The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Association Minister of National Defence, and Member of Parliament (St. John's South–Mount Pearl)
"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."
—The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Quick facts
- Built between 1967 and 1986, the six Arts and Culture Centres are major presenters that also provide space for rehearsal, performance, production and office facilities to professional arts and amateur organizations.
- The centres outside St. John's and Corner Brook are the only professional presentation venues serving the surrounding areas of Gander, Grand Falls, Stephenville and Labrador City.
- More than 120 community and professional presentation partners use these centres each year. Seating ranges from 400 to 1,000, with a total annual audience of 200,000.
- The St. John's Arts and Culture Centre is the largest of the six centres and was constructed in 1967 as a Centennial year project.
- The Grand Falls–Windsor Arts and Culture Centre was the original Czechoslovakian pavilion at Expo '67.
- The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund plays a key role in improving physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.
Associated links
Arts and Culture Centres, Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For further information: (media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]; Eric Humber, Media Relations Manager, Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, 709-729-4819 (office), 709-725-9655 (cell), [email protected]
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