BARRIE, Ontario, February 16, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament (Barrie) today announced $40,000 in funding for Talk Is Free Theatre. This funding will allow the company to purchase specialized technical equipment to enhance its productions.
"Canada's New Government is pleased to support Talk is Free Theatre," said Minister Oda. "By helping it purchase this equipment, we are helping ensure that Canadians have access to exceptional artistic experiences in their communities."
"It gives me great pleasure to announce this funding," said Mr. Brown. "Our Government recognizes the need to support this theatre and the quality productions it offers to the residents of Barrie. Talk is Free Theatre makes a vital contribution to the city's cultural economy and community life."
"We're so very grateful for this timely and much-needed support from the Department of Canadian Heritage," said Mr. Arkady Spivak, Artistic Producer for Talk is Free Theatre. "It's so wonderful to be able to direct our limited resources to improving our work and increasing our audiences, rather than for trouble-shooting technical problems that seem to have plagued each of our past productions. And I am sure that other users of our facility will agree with these sentiments."
Talk is Free Theatre is an artist-driven company, founded in 2002, whose rapid growth has taken Barrie by storm. The theatre company has garnered attention for its commitment to reviving Canadian musicals and for nurturing local talent in the Barrie area. Presently, Talk is Free Theatre operates out of the Park Place Theatre, a 120-seat venue that the theatre converted from a former drive-through Beer Store in Molson Park. The facility is used for the company's own productions and is also available for use by smaller local arts organizations.
Canada's New Government has provided financial assistance through the Department of Canadian Heritage's 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 presentation. Funding is also provided for the construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities, and the purchase of specialized equipment.
Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Status of Women
819 997-7788
Alison Eadie
Executive Assistant
Office of the Member of Parliament for Barrie
705 726-5959
Jaime Burke
A/Communications Manager
Canadian Heritage
Ontario Region
416 973-2050
