Investing in cultural infrastructure in Toronto

News release

TORONTO, August 7, 2018

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, today announced $6.5 million in funding for Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.

Evergreen Brick Works, a Toronto landmark, is located on a former industrial site in the lower Don Valley. It has become a dynamic site for cultural, arts, and heritage activities, welcoming over 500,000 visitors annually.

This funding, made through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will support the transformation of the Kiln Building into a sustainable venue for cultural programming. The revitalized heritage building will also include artist studios and meeting spaces, as well as enhanced public art installations.

Continued investments in cultural spaces help build dynamic and connected communities, allow local economies to grow, create spaces for our artists to collaborate and innovate, and give more Canadians opportunities to experience arts, culture and heritage activities.

In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada dedicated an additional $168.2 million to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund over two years. This was followed by an additional $300 million for the fund over 10 years in Budget 2018 as part of the Investing in Canada Plan.

Quotes

"Our communities are stronger, more inclusive places when we have cultural spaces to create and gather together. Cultural infrastructure is also an important economic driver for our cities. By supporting the construction and renovation of cultural spaces, we are helping make arts and culture more accessible to Toronto residents and visitors, while also giving our artists and creators news spaces to thrive. Funding for renovations to cultural spaces at Evergreen Brick Works will increase the amount of cultural programming and public art on-site.”

—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

“Evergreen's Kiln Building redevelopment celebrates the industrial, cultural and natural heritage of the site and, once completed, will greatly expand and enhance the arts and culture production, presentation and exhibit spaces at Evergreen Brick Works. The centre will be global hub where the public can convene, learn and share ideas to help build flourishing cities of the future together."

—Geoffrey Cape, Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen

Quick facts

  • Incorporated in 1991, Evergreen is a not-for-profit organization whose operations are based at the Brick Works, a former industrial site and quarry in Toronto. Evergreen promotes ecological awareness and urbanism through its direct interpretation of its unique site, as well as through partnerships with multiple arts and culture organizations.

  • The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. The fund supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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