Vancouver-area residents and visitors will benefit from facility upgrades and renovations to the Granville Island Stage and Production Centre, thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Member of Parliament (Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Arts Club of Vancouver Theatre Society.
Funding of $1,130,947 will be used by the Arts Club Theatre Society to renovate and expand the two buildings it operates on Granville Island: the Granville Island Stage and the Production Centre. The planned renovations to the Granville Island Stage will cover both lobbies, moving the box office to the front of the building, and replacing the stage lighting and seating in the 450 seat auditorium. The Arts Club plans to expand its production centre to include a new 3000 square-foot rehearsal space. These construction, renovation, and specialized equipment upgrades will result in superior performance, rehearsal, and production spaces for use by the Arts Club and many other professional organizations and community groups.
Additional funding of $25,000 will be used by the Arts Club Theatre Society to hire a marketing consultant to maximize revenue generation and develop patron loyalty. The consultant will undertake a marketing audit and develop an in-depth plan to guide the Society toward financial self-sufficiency.
"Our Government is committed to offering all Canadians the opportunity to appreciate local performing arts," said Minister Verner. "Supporting local arts organizations will not only add to the vitality of British Columbia, but of Canada as a whole."
"I am pleased that our Government is contributing to improving this facility and the organization's capacity to promote its work," said Minister Strahl. "This shared performance and presentation space will benefit a number of cultural and community groups in the Vancouver area and improve the region's ability to present performing arts."
"This important funding from Canadian Heritage is the first step toward making much-needed improvements to this facility," said Howard Jang, General Manager of the Arts Club Theatre Society. "Among the immediate changes will be the addition of an elevator and a larger rehearsal space, which will ensure accessibility and foster artistic growth. Renovating the Granville Island Stage was once a wish, but it is now a necessity and--with this tremendous support--closer to reality."
The Arts Club Theatre, now in its 44th season of producing professional live theatre in Vancouver, is one of the cities's best-known theatres. The Arts Club produces and develops live theatre that entertains and educates audiences about relevant issues that have shaped Canadian identity. The organization produces works by Canadian playwrights featuring Canadian themes, and nurtures and encourages Canadian artists, which makes theatre more accessible to all.
The Government of Canada has provided the $1,130,947 in 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.
The $25,000 in funding has been provided under the Capacity Building Component of the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage supports arts and heritage organizations in their efforts to strengthen their organizational, administrative, and financial circumstances.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Status of Women and Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604 666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
