Harper Government Supports Capitol Theatre

MONCTON, NB, Jan. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Residents and visitors in Moncton will enjoy a wide range of artistic performances at the Capitol Theatre, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Robert Goguen, Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will support two performance seasons at the Capitol Theatre, which will feature a mix of English and French presentations by artists from various regions of the country and abroad. Audiences will experience dance, comedy, theatre, and a wide variety of musical styles. The Theatre will also offer workshops and master classes. About 6,000 people are expected to attend each season.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in cultural organizations like the Capitol Theatre," said Minister Moore. "By supporting the Theatre's activities, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."

"For close to 20 years, the Capitol Theatre has been a vibrant and dynamic cultural centre in the Moncton area," said Mr. Goguen. "It offers a wide array of arts and cultural experiences, thanks in large part to the dedication and hard work of its Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers."

"The federal government's continued support of the Capitol Theatre and its programming is essential to our ability to provide the citizens of southeastern New Brunswick with quality performances," said Marc Chouinard, General Manager of the Capitol Theatre. "This government's commitment to culture is not only important to those working in the creative economy, but necessary to enhance the quality of life of all Canadians."

Since it opened in 1993, the Capitol Theatre has hosted regular performances presented by the Théâtre populaire d'Acadie, Symphony New Brunswick, Francofête, and the HubCap Comedy Festival.

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $102,000 for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)