Government of Canada Invests in Cultural Infrastructure in Calgary
News Release
November 25, 2016 – Calgary – Department of Canadian Heritage
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced more than $4 million in cultural infrastructure investments in the Calgary area. Minister Hehr made this announcement today at Arts Commons alongside members of Calgary’s arts and culture community.
This support, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will allow six Calgary-based organizations to build new arts and heritage facilities and provide important upgrades and physical improvements to existing ones. It will provide organizations with the ability to grow, showcase great Canadian talent, open their doors to wider audiences and bring communities together in support of artists and creators.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes that new investments in infrastructure can create and support economic prosperity. We deeply value the importance of arts and culture, and we are committed to investing in the future of our artists and creators. This funding will help promote industries that reflect our unique identity as Canadians, and provide jobs and economic opportunities in the cultural and creative sectors.”
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“Cultural institutions play a key role in Canadian society, and cultural infrastructure is an important part of Canada’s social fabric. I am delighted to see support for each of these organizations, enabling them to enhance their services, increase audience attendance and participation, and allow Calgarians to experience the best in arts, culture and heritage.”
—The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre)
“Arts Commons is grateful for the generous support of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, allowing us to transform the Jack Singer Rehearsal Hall—home of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra—into a beautiful and acoustically superior space, and replace the seating in five of our theatre spaces, which had exceeded its 30-year lifespan. These vital upgrades not only directly impact on the creative ambiance and functionality of our facilities, but helps improve the quality of experience for the thousands of people who use our facilities every year.”
—Johann Zietsman, President and CEO, Arts Commons
“La Cité des Rocheuses is the only Francophone community and cultural centre in Calgary. As such, our facilities are at the heart of the community in Calgary, where coming together around arts, culture, heritage and fellowship is essential. La Cité des Rocheuses is proud to be able to offer, by spring 2017, a renovated theatre not only for Francophones, but for everyone. Many thanks to Canadian Heritage!”
—Hervé Stéclebout, Executive Manager, La Cité des Rocheuses
Quick Facts
- Total funding of $4,240,247 has been awarded to six organizations: Arts Commons, cSPACE Projects, Ghost River Theatre Society, Quickdraw Animation Society, Société du centre scolaire communautaire de Calgary and Trickster Theatre. Additional information is available in the attached backgrounder.
- The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.
Associated Links
La Société du centre scolaire communautaire de Calgary
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Pierre-Olivier Herbert
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Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
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Canadian Heritage
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