Investing in New Brunswick's Cultural Infrastructure

Government of Canada provides financial support for renovations to the Capitol Theatre

MONCTON, Feb. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has provided funding through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to help the Capitol Theatre with renovations that will allow the Theatre to offer enhanced audience experiences and a greater variety of cultural programming to Moncton residents and visitors.

Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe), today announced an investment of $245,000 on behalf of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Minister Shelly Glover.

This funding will enable the Capitol Theatre to carry out its Capitol Complex Upgrade project. One of its principal components will include work to make the orchestra pit more functional by installing a variable height riser. Other upgrades, such as improvements to the sound system, the video management system and the gallery space lighting, will help the Capitol maintain its position as one of the region's premier performing arts spaces.

Quick Facts

• The Capitol Theatre is an authentically restored pre-war theatre, one of only a few in Canada. An architectural jewel, it is itself a work of art.
• The site originally contained two theatres: the Empress Theatre, constructed in 1908, and the Capitol Theatre, built in 1922.
• Restoration of this stately piece of Moncton heritage began in February 1992, and the Capitol re-opened its doors in the fall of 1993.
• In 20 years, the Capitol Theatre went from an old, abandoned movie theatre to one of the region's most vibrant cultural centres, serving both Anglophone and Francophone communities.

Quotes
"Our Government is proud to invest in organizations such as the Capitol Theatre. With these latest upgrades, the Capitol will continue to make a valuable contribution to the well-being and the economic vitality of the Greater Moncton area."
- Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Moncton is privileged to have such an outstanding performing arts centre right in the core of its downtown centre, where residents and visitors can experience unique cultural experiences by emerging and renowned artists. With this investment, the Capitol Theatre will be able to offer a much more diverse variety of high-quality performances.''
- Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament (Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe)

"On behalf of the board of directors of the Capitol Theatre, it is with enthusiasm and appreciation that I recognize the generosity of Canadian Heritage in their recent granting of $245,000 to the Capitol Theatre towards its Capitol Complex Upgrade. This financial support will significantly assist the Capitol in improving its performance venue, which will serve the Theatre's mission of being the leading presenter and promoter of the arts in Southeast New Brunswick. "
- Blair Lawrence, President of the Capitol Theatre Board of Directors

Associated Links
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Capitol Theatre

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SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Gilles Thériault
Director, Communications Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]