Government of Canada funding supports specialized equipment for cSPACE King Edward theatre and galleries in Calgary
CALGARY, Dec. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), toured cSPACE King Edward, the first multi-tenant, shared space development of its kind in Calgary. This innovative creative hub is benefitting from $500,000 in funding through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for specialized equipment, including theatrical lighting, blackout draperies, an audiovisual system, stage platforms, and acoustical walls and reflectors in its Studio Theatre. cSPACE will also purchase professional, gallery-style lighting for each of its large hallway galleries.
This funding is in addition to the $2 million in Canada Cultural Spaces Fund support received by cSPACE for the construction of a new west annex, attached to the renovated King Edward school building, which was completed last month. The three‑storey annex includes cSPACE's Studio Theatre, production, rehearsal and exhibition spaces, as well as an outdoor exhibition space.
Investing in cultural hubs is an important pillar for Creative Canada, the first-ever strategy for the creative economy and a renewed policy approach to strengthen Canada's diverse and vibrant creative sector. cSPACE's unique role as an arts incubator was highlighted earlier this year when the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the Government of Canada's vision for Canada's cultural and creative industries in a digital world.
Quotes
"Investments in creative hubs allow artists and creators of all kinds to come together to innovate, grow and inspire. I am thrilled that cSPACE will be able to enhance its King Edward facility as a result of this funding. Creative hubs like this are incubators for collaboration and growth, while creating jobs and contributing to the local economy."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Our cultural institutions help build strong, vibrant communities. I am delighted that our government has provided additional cultural infrastructure funding to cSPACE King Edward to build on its success, as it enhances its theatre and galleries. Thanks to our investment, this vibrant hub will continue to foster development in our arts and cultural industries."
—The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre)
"We are immensely grateful to Canadian Heritage for its investment in cSPACE King Edward, our flagship creative hub in Calgary. Creative Canada presents an exciting way forward for supporting a new vision of infrastructure, designed to amplify innovation in the cultural and creative sector. cSPACE King Edward is an award-winning example of the collaborative efforts required from all sectors to build these community-based platforms for nurturing creativity. We are pleased to have the Government of Canada as a key partner in achieving our vision."
—Reid Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer, cSPACE Projects
Quick Facts
cSPACE Projects was established in 2011 as a subsidiary of the Calgary Arts Development Authority. It is a non-profit real estate enterprise dedicated to developing a network of multi-disciplinary creative workspaces in Calgary. cSPACE Projects' first project is the redevelopment of the King Edward School, a heritage sandstone building located on a three-acre site in South Calgary. With over 45,000 square feet of creation, production, exhibition and rehearsal space, cSPACE King Edward supports dozens of small arts organizations and hundreds of creators across all artistic disciplines.
In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada dedicated $300 million to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund over 10 years starting in 2018. This followed an unprecedented $168.2 million to the fund over two years provided through Budget 2016.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.
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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]
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