MONTREAL, May 5, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced $376,303 in funding for three Quebec cultural organizations. The funds, spread over five years, will allow the Empress Cultural Centre, Les Deux Mondes theatre company, and the National Theatre School of Canada to renovate their facilities and purchase specialized equipment. "With this significant investment, the Government of Canada once again demonstrates its commitment to providing Canadians with better access to the arts and culture," said Minister Frulla. In its own way, each of the three recipient organizations helps increase public interest in the arts and heritage through their cultural activities. Of the total funding, the Empress Cultural Centre will receive $165,000. Les Deux Mondes theatre company will receive $61,303 and the National Theatre School of Canada will receive $150,000. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Spaces Canada program. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts and also improves physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding for these projects was forecast in the February 2005 federal Budget. -30- Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Véronick Raymond Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Quebec Region (514) 283-7698
