Government Invests in Martha Street Studio

This funding will allow the Manitoba Printmakers Association to undertake improvements to Martha Street Studio

WINNIPEG, Feb. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, announced funding of $17,976 for the Manitoba Printmakers Association (Martha Street Studio). Mr. Ouellette made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

This funding, provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will allow the organization to purchase a large flatbed scanner, seven iMac office computers, and seven ergonomic chairs that can be adjusted to suit a variety of users. This equipment will help to upgrade the Studio's digital suite, which is widely used by professional artists, participants in the Studio's education programs and school outreach activities, as well as the general public.

The project also includes repainting the cement floors of the meeting area, archive and collections reading room, main gallery, and office space using environmentally friendly clear epoxy.

Quotes

"Our government is proud to support organizations such as the Manitoba Printmakers Association. As the only professional printmaking studio and gallery in Manitoba, Martha Street Studio plays a central role in arts and culture in that province and across the country. Through the Creative Canada initiative, the first federal strategy for the development of Canada's creative industries, our government will continue to support artists and creators as they innovate, experiment, and reimagine the arts in all disciplines and media."

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The stories told by the performing arts, visual and media arts, and museum and heritage collections are our stories, and they deserve to be heard and celebrated. Our government believes that all Canadians should have access to Canadian cultural spaces. That is why we are proud to fund the improvement of facilities such as Martha Street Studio."

—Robert-Falcon Ouellette, MP for Winnipeg Centre

"The Manitoba Printmakers Association and its board of directors would like to thank the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, the Manitoba Community Services Council, and the Community Places program for their support of the acquisition of ergonomic chairs and state-of-the-art equipment for our digital suite, and the refinishing of the floors. These improvements will support our mission, namely, to provide unparalleled, accessible facilities and education in the print arts."

—Kristin Nelson, Director, Manitoba Printmakers Association

Quick Facts

Incorporated in 1988 as Manitoba Printmakers Association Inc, Martha Street Studio is a dynamic not-for-profit, artist-run centre located in Winnipeg's East Exchange District. Its mission is to preserve and advance the print arts. Artists can rent the studio's facilities and services, which include custom digital and printing services and technical support for custom printmaking. The studio also offers a dynamic program of exhibitions and outreach activities, as well as several training, education and mentorship programs.

The project consists of replacing outdated or damaged equipment with new equipment that meets current technological and artistic standards. It will increase the technological capacity of the studio, including the digital suite, which is widely used by professional artists, participants in education programs and school outreach activities, employees, and the general public.

The existing chairs and stools will be replaced with ergonomic chairs that can be adjusted to meet the needs of various users, including accessibility needs. The new floor covering, which has already been applied, will reduce dust levels in the archive and exhibition area (which also serves as a gallery) and improve the user experience for artists and members of the general public using the studio facilities.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. It supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment.

Associated Links

Martha Street Studio

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

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, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.pch.gc.ca