NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, April 1st 2004, -- Gary Pillitteri, Member of Parliament (Niagara Falls), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the Government of Canada's support for the Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation's plan to upgrade technical equipment in its theatre facilities."I am proud that the Government of Canada supports the Shaw Festival, a well-established theatre company in this area, which specializes in the plays of the Irish playwright Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries," said Mr. Pillitteri. "This tremendously successful annual Festival attracts large audiences. New equipment will allow technicians to further enhance productions and provide audiences with an incomparable theatrical experience." "The Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadians with increased access to the arts, encouraging excellence, favouring diversity, stimulating creativity, and increasing the viability of the cultural sector," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "The assistance we are giving to the Shaw Festival Foundation is in line with these goals. Theatre technicians, artists, the community, and the general public will all benefit from this modern equipment."Funding of $1.95 million will allow the Shaw Festival Theatre Foundation to provide artists and the community with state-of-the-art facilities. It will also facilitate the training of theatre technicians, directors, stage managers, and designers to work all across the country. Specialized technical equipment will be installed in the Festival and Courthouse theatres. In addition, the Annex Rehearsal Hall will be equipped with new audio and lighting systems and draperies, and will serve as a workshop and rental facility.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Cultural Spaces Program. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, and also improves physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding is also provided for the construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities, for the purchase of specialized equipment, and for feasibility studies and projects to transform buildings into arts or heritage facilities. Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Gemma Nowacki Legislative Assistant Office of Gary Pillitteri (613) 995-1547 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
