CHESTER, Nova Scotia, March 12, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's), today announced funding for the Chester Theatre Council Society.
Since its founding in 1984, the Society has continued to promote high-quality performing arts on the stage of its 176-seat theatre, the Chester Playhouse. During the upcoming season, the Playhouse will present three diverse arts series featuring around 90 performances of music, theatre, dance, and other genres. The South Shore community, which extends from Halifax to Liverpool, will enjoy a year-round slate of cultural events that highlight some of Canada's established and up-and-coming talent.
"Our Government is pleased to support organizations that bring arts and culture to Canadians," said Minister Moore. "Such investments allow organizations to provide artists with opportunities to express their creativity, while enhancing the quality of life and stimulating the economy of the community."
"The Chester Theatre Council Society plays an important role in bringing diverse artistic experiences to the people of South Shore-St. Margaret's," said Mr. Keddy. "Our Government believes that these contributions are a great way to ensure more local cultural activity--activity that helps build the social and economic foundations of our communities, while also building audiences for arts organizations."
"The financial support received from the Government of Canada through the Arts Presentation Canada Program has been a very welcome addition to our programming budget," said Erick Bickerdike, General Manager of the Chester Playhouse. "It allows us to diversify and enhance our programming in order to include presentations that might be otherwise outside of our reach in a rural community."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $6,500 through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information: Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca Claudine Daigle
Director, Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
