Funding for Cultural Projects in Moncton

News Release

Government of Canada provides close to $1.4 million in funding to the Capitol Theatre and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre

August 17, 2016 – Moncton – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced close to $1.4 million in funding for two major cultural organizations in Moncton: the Capitol Theatre and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre.

Funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will go toward two major projects that will allow each organization to improve its infrastructure: $600,000 for the Aberdeen Cultural Centre, and $532,500 for the Capitol Theatre. These renovations will make it possible to continue providing quality spaces and modern equipment to artists and audiences. Financial support is also being provided for both organizations’ regular programming and three other projects of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre.

The Aberdeen Cultural Centre also received close to $300,000 in funding from the Province of New Brunswick.

For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

Quick Facts

The Aberdeen Cultural Centre, which is celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2016, is a multidisciplinary centre in Moncton that is home to a number of organizations and artists in a variety of artistic disciplines.
The Centre also presents the Festival Acadie Rock, whose fifth edition is currently underway until August 20. It is also a presenter of shows offering original Francophone programming.
The Capitol Theatre is one of the main presenters of shows in Atlantic Canada. A unique heritage building, it is one of only a few pre-war theatres in Canada that have been authentically and historically restored.
For the past 20 years, the Capitol Theatre has been offering a wide variety of programming to English and Francophone communities in the Greater Moncton Area.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Capitol Theatre and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre. These organizations play a key role in promoting arts and culture in the region. By giving artists an opportunity to showcase their talent and reach new audiences, they provide Canadians and visitors with unique cultural experiences.”

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“This Centre is one of the most important cultural facilities in New Brunswick. This investment will support the many members of southeastern New Brunswick's vibrant artistic community and the contribution they make to our region and our economy.”‎

—The Honourable Cathy Rogers, Minister of Finance, Government of New Brunswick

“Canadian Heritage’s contribution to the final phase of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre renovation project is an invaluable gift for New Brunswick’s entire artistic community, as well as for the 40,000 people who use and attend the Centre each year and participate in the events held there to discover the richness of the Acadian culture and other cultures that enrich our community.”

—René Légère, Executive Director, Aberdeen Cultural Centre

“The Capitol is absolutely thrilled with the continued support from Canadian Heritage. ‎This funding will help us maintain and enhance the theatre so that it continues to be the jewel of the community in downtown Moncton, as it has been for nearly a quarter century. This investment will allow us to undertake important upgrades to our sound equipment, improve soundproofing between the Main Stage and the adjoining Empress Theatre, as well as completely renovate our artists’ dressing rooms and the lobby.”

—Manju Varma, Chair of the Board of Directors, Capitol Theatre