New Space to Showcase Chéticamp’s Acadian Culture
News Release
Government of Canada Invests in Multifunctional Arts Centre
April 8, 2017 - Chéticamp, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Smart, targeted investments in community infrastructure help to drive local economic growth and strengthen the middle class. That is why the Government of Canada is investing $500,000 in the Conseil des arts de Chéticamp (CAC) to develop a performing arts academy in Cheticamp, NS.
The support was announced today by Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. Funding is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
Chéticamp is a vibrant Acadian community located on the Cabot Trail at the entrance of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The CAC promotes Acadian culture and linguistic heritage to residents and visitors through various artistic projects and cultural programs. To draw more people to the region and further promote Acadian arts and culture, the CAC is creating le Quartier Culturel de Chéticamp in partnership with the adjacent NDA School in Chéticamp.
Le Quartier Culturel de Chéticamp will feature an outdoor classroom, theatre and boardwalk. Indoor amenities will include a café, as well as office and common areas. Students will be recruited both regionally and internationally. The arts academy will fill a need for arts education in the area and raise the profile of Chéticamp as an arts destination.
This project will also help with the creation of social enterprises such as a full-service, year-round café and farmers’ market. Other offerings will include a boutique rental space for art showings, local entertainment and workshops as well as a mini-library for learning and skills-sharing classes.
The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, is also providing $400,000 toward this project. Additional partners include the Municipality of the County of Inverness and le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial.
Quotes
“Our two official languages are at the heart of who we are and the Government of Canada is proud to support the French language and culture across the country. Le Quartier Culturel de Chéticamp builds on the strengths of this Acadian community to enhance quality of life and generate new economic activity.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp’s project will not only fill a need for arts education in this region, but also will raise Chéticamp’s profile as an arts destination. Le Quartier Culturel de Chéticamp will provide a gathering place to celebrate art and music, and stimulate a sense of community and cultural identity. ”
- Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso
“For almost 20 years, the Conseil des Arts has worked tirelessly to allow the French language and Acadian culture to thrive and shine in this part of Cape Breton. Our investment in the Chéticamp cultural district project is a recognition of its cultural and educational value, but also of its economic significance.”
- The Honourable Michel Samson, Minister of Energy, Minister of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, Minister of Trade, Minister responsible for Part I of the Gaming Control Act and MLA for Cape Breton-Richmond
"Le Conseil des arts and the Acadian community of Chéticamp are very excited to oversee the development of le Quartier Culturel, which will allow them to offer more artistic opportunities to the community and develop new businesses and partnerships."
- Joeleen Larade, Directrice générale, Conseil des arts de Chéticamp
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Lisa Jarrett
Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
Phone: 902-424-0281 / 902-717-4199 (cell)
E-mail: Lisa.Jarrett@novascotia.ca
Joeleen Larade
Directrice générale
Conseil des arts de Chéticamp
Phone : 902-224-1876 / 902-266-8267 (cell)
E-mail : direction@artscheticamp.org
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