Federal Budget 2013: Positive news for Canada's theatre sector

TORONTO, March 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Finance Minister James Flaherty's federal budget, announced last week, holds positive news for Canada's theatre sector.  The First-time Donors Super Credit and changes to the Endowment Incentive component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund will be helpful to theatre companies across the country in securing the resources they need to continue making meaningful contributions to their communities.

"PACT appreciates the government's commitment to work with the charitable sector in increasing charitable giving incentives," said PACT Advocacy Chair, and General Manager of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Camilla Holland.  "The First-time Donors Super Credit plus the higher ceiling on Endowment Incentives are welcome strides towards growing donors and levels of giving for PACT theatre companies of all sizes."

Currently, private sector donations account for about one quarter of an average theatre company's total revenue.  For larger companies, private donations are usually much more significant.

"The revenue composition of any theatre company is critical to its well-being," said PACT Executive Director, Lucy White.  "Any measure that strengthens the ability of our members to increase the investment of Canadians in our work is helpful."

The 2013 federal budget made no changes to investment in the Canada Council for the Arts and other important programs that support theatres across Canada.

The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) is a member-driven organization that serves as the collective voice of more than 140 professional Canadian theatres across the country. For the betterment of Canadian theatre, PACT provides leadership, national representation and a variety of programs and practical assistance to member companies, enabling members to do their own creative work. 

PACT is a founding member of the Performing Arts Alliance and works in tandem with other representative bodies in the cultural and not-for-profit sector including the Canadian Arts Coalition, the Canadian Arts Summit, Imagine Canada and others.

SOURCE: Professional Association of Canadian Theatres

Lucy White, Executive Director, PACT.
Email: [email protected], Cell: 416 807-9106 or Phone: [phone] ext.11