January 28, 2005 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Thanks to $600,000 in financial support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Arts Guild building is receiving a much needed upgrade. The work, which is just underway, will see new exterior façades for the Richmond and Queen Street entrances. In addition, the project includes interior work to upgrade the performance hall and improvements to the heating system to ensure the centre can meet its mandate to offer quality programming in support of the local arts community on a year-round basis. "Every year, the variety of arts and cultural events presented at the Arts Guild building entertains an ever- increasing audience of visitors and Islanders," said the Honourable Shawn Murphy, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of ACOA. "This significant financial support from the Government of Canada for these improvements to the building will make an important contribution to the continued growth of the cultural tourism industry and the arts community throughout Prince Edward Island." The facility is currently managed by ARS LONGA Inc., a non- profit group organized to ensure the facility remains a successful and thriving venue for the local arts community, supporting emerging and existing artists and cultural organizations from across the province. "This initiative will enrich Charlottetown's and Prince Edward Island's cultural life by showcasing many of the creative talents that can be found in this province," noted Alan Buchanan, chair of the board, ARS LONGA Inc. "ACOA's support for this facility will provide our arts and cultural community access to a high-quality, multi-purpose space. Established and emerging artists will be able to share their experiences and demonstrate their talent and their passion for the arts." Located in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, the Arts Guild building formerly housed the Royal Bank. In 1994, the bank donated the building to the PEI Council of the Arts. Today, ARS LONGA Inc. has proposed a renovation and improvement plan for the building that seeks to achieve three main goals for the venue: an enhanced quality of artistic product provided; a key component of a revitalized downtown; and an increase in usage of the facility. ARS LONGA Inc. anticipates that all renovations will be completed by March 31, 2005 well in advance of the upcoming season. - 30 - For more information, please call: Ron Crozier Office of the Minister for ACOA (613) 888-4150 Alan Buchanan ARS LONGA Inc. (902) 659-2628 Lynn MacDonald ACOA PEI & Tourism (902) 566-7491 Lynn.macdonald@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
