FREDERICTON, March 25, 2008 - Audiences in New Brunswick will have improved access to artistic experiences thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Mike Allen, Member of Parliament (Tobique-Mactaquac), today announced funding for the Fredericton Playhouse, on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minster of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages.
Funding of $44,138 will allow the Fredericton Playhouse to purchase and install new equipment, which will improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation and, through the Playhouse's outreach programs, increase access for Canadians to the performing arts.
"State-of-the-art equipment will increase the artistic potential of the Fredericton Playhouse and enhance the quality of the experience for varied audience," said Minister Verner. "We are pleased to provide support to one of New Brunswick's longstanding performance venues where audiences have been enjoying a variety of performing arts for more than four decades."
"The Fredericton Playhouse has a prominent place in the city's cultural legacy," said Mr. Allen. "I am delighted that the Government of Canada has recognized this and has invested in New Brunswick's rich culture."
"The Fredericton Playhouse is thrilled that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the arts in our community by contributing to our technical capacity," said Tim Yerxa, Executive Director of the Fredericton Playhouse. "With this contribution, the Playhouse will be able to advance our technical production capabilities so that local and touring artists and companies can offer the best possible artistic experiences to our audiences."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation or exhibition. It is designed to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts, as well as to museum collections and heritage exhibitions.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 994-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
