September 2, 2004 Wolfville, Nova Scotia The curtain is one step closer to rising on the Acadia Cinema renovation in Wolfville. The Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services today announced funding of $316,750 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to help makeover the Main Street landmark for film and live presentations. The Acadia Cinema building started life as a hotel, became the Wolfville Opera House in 1911, the Orpheum Theatre in 1927, and finally opened its doors as the Acadia Cinema in 1947. The venerable venue served the movie-going public for over 50 years before closing in 2000 upon the retirement of long-time manager Al Whittle. In 2003, a group of community members formed the Acadia Cinema Cooperative with the idea of purchasing and renovating the building for continued use as a cinema, as well as a performing arts theatre. "Re-opening Acadia Cinema will directly benefit local businesses," says Minister Brison. He added, "Budget 2004 talked about the Social Economy. The Acadia Cinema Cooperative is certainly a great example of that¿a responsive enterprise run in business-like fashion designed to provide social and community benefits." Isabel Madeira-Voss, Chairperson of the Acadia Cinema Cooperative, says the new year-round Al Whittle Theatre will help to fill more than one void, "Since the closure of Halifax's Wormwoods Cinema in 1998, there has been no theatre in Nova Scotia providing consistent access to first- run independent films¿foreign, art house and Canadian. As well, at 160 seats the new theatre will fill a niche need for a smaller, more intimate performance venue." ACOA's funding, provided through the Agency's Strategic Community Investment Fund, will assist with renovations, as well as the purchase and installation of film and live performance equipment. The ACOA contribution complements community contributions of volunteer labour and $200,000 in cash raised to date. Minister Brison added, "Going to a show here draws on a rich sense of tradition. Wolfville is fond of Acadia Cinema, and that affection extends even beyond the Valley... so many people remember the theatre." Ms. Madeira-Voss reports fundraising efforts are ongoing with hopes for the work to finish and the doors to open later this fall, and she adds: "All prospective patrons are assured that Al Whittle's secret popcorn recipe has not left the building!" FOR BROADCAST USE The curtain is one step closer to rising on the Acadia Cinema renovation in Wolfville. Today, the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced funding of $316,750 from ACOA to help renovate the Main Street landmark as a venue for independent films and live presentations. Mr. Brison said re-opening the Acadia would directly benefit local businesses. ACOA's investment complements community contributions of volunteer labour and over $200,000 in cash raised to date. Fundraising efforts are ongoing with hopes for work to finish and doors to open later this fall. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Ron Crozier Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire (613) 888-4150 Alex Smith Director of Communications ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 426-4238 Isabel Madeira-Voss Chairperson Acadia Cinema Cooperative Ltd. Work (902) 679-7422 Home (902) 542-2416
