Setting the stage for big changes at the Bella Rose Arts Centre

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for the local economy to thrive

January 25, 2023 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, announced a non-repayable investment of $300,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Bella Rose Arts Centre Society. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow the society to install better audio and lighting systems for the Bella Rose Arts Centre, including specialized speakers and lighting control consoles. This new equipment will help the theatre be more competitive by improving its services while maintaining affordable rental prices. The upgrades will also help the centre attract more artists to showcase their talents and explore their potential while providing a higher-quality experience for audiences.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared spaces like the Bella Rose Arts Centre in Halifax helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”

-        The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Bella Rose Arts Centre is an iconic theatre in Halifax West, and I’ve been proud to support it from its earliest days. These upgrades will help events and performances at the Bella Rose look and sound their best. We all have a part to play promoting the arts in our communities, and I’m very glad to announce this funding from ACOA.”

-        The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West

“The Bella Rose Arts Centre endeavors to be a leader in the arts and entertainment landscape in which diversity, accessibility, cultural heritage, and the performing arts are supported, celebrated, and promoted. The Centre prides itself on being both a professional theatre and a hub for arts education in Halifax. This funding from ACOA will allow us to upgrade the sound and lighting and offer artists and promoters a high-quality experience. As a non-profit theatre, we support the social, cultural and artistic programming that makes our community a better place, and we appreciate having the Government of Canada as a partner in this work.”

-        Amie Moore, Executive Director, The Bella Rose Arts Centre

Quick facts

  • Bella Rose Arts Centre Society is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer board of directors. The theatre was formerly known as TheatreHalifax.

  • The Bella Rose Art Centre Society works to promote sustainable community growth and accessibility to the arts by working with local and non-profit organizations. 

  • In partnership with the Halifax Regional School Board, the centre is made available to local drama and music teachers and their students.

  • The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:

    • adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
    • building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

  • Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.

  • Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the Tourism Relief Fund.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Amie Moore
Executive Director
Bella Rose Arts Centre
902-292-7833
AMoore@bellaroseartscentre.com

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