New Theatre Complex in Cow Head will Advance Cultural and Experiential Tourism
News Release
Increased capacity and enhanced product will strengthen tourism, grow the economy and create new jobs
November 17, 2017 – Cow Head, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Improving cultural and tourism infrastructure creates jobs and new business opportunities in communities and helps build the middle class and those working to join it. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recognize the value of cultural tourism in this province and are investing a total of $4.2 million to support Theatre Newfoundland Labrador (TNL) in the construction of a new multi-functional theatre complex in Cow Head.
Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, today announced a total of $3.7 million in Government of Canada funding towards this project. Of this total, $2 million is being provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and $1.7 million is provided on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, also announced $500,000 through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.
TNL’s new 2000 square metres theatre complex will include a 178 seat venue for the Gros Morne Theatre Festival dinner theatre and musical productions. The new complex will include a performance stage and house seating, rehearsal and studio performance space, dressing rooms, a full kitchen and bar service area, a set fabrication workshop, a wardrobe workshop, wardrobe storage space, offices, as well as a box office and lobby areas.
The new complex will enable TNL to increase its creative output and enhance production standards, while meeting health and safety requirements and better serving audiences.
These investments build on the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This Strategy involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including support for projects that help position small and medium-sized businesses in the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with organizations like Theatre Newfoundland Labrador which demonstrate the vision, fortitude and innovative spirit which will help move Canada’s economy forward. This initiative will create jobs for more than 100 people during construction and increase economic activity for the benefit of businesses and residents throughout the region.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, our government is proud to invest in cultural infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador and all across the country. Modern, well-equipped venues provide space for artists to create and for audiences to enjoy a variety of cultural experiences. With this new facility, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador will be able to continue to produce quality theatre for residents and visitors alike.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“Tourism traffic generated by the Gros Morne Theatre Festival has been instrumental in the growth of a cluster of tourism activities in this area. Increasing its capacity, improving its infrastructure and enhancing its product will strengthen the impact of Theatre Newfoundland Labrador as a cultural tourism generator and will benefit businesses and residents throughout this region for many years to come.”
Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a rich cultural tourism industry. It celebrates our identity and is creating new economic and business opportunities for people across this province. Our government is committed to supporting our arts and tourism industry as we further position ourselves on the global stage.”
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Theatre Newfoundland Labrador is thrilled with the partnership of the federal and provincial governments in forging ahead with the creation of a multi-functional theatre complex in Cow Head! Professional theatre is alive and well in this province and this new facility at the Gros Morne Theatre Festival will allow TNL to continue flourishing, offering quality professional theatre and attracting top notch artists to the region and welcoming audiences from around the world. This new facility will secure the future of the company as a major player in the cultural tourism industry of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Katrina Basha, Chair, Board of Directors, TNL
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Gaylene Buckle
General Manager
Theatre Newfoundland Labrador
709-639-7238
tnl@theatrenewfoundland.com
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