SASKATOON, May 20, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Kelly Block, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar), today announced funding for La Troupe du Jour for its Theatre Production Centre.
This funding will allow La Troupe du Jour to purchase a building in the Riversdale area of Saskatoon to be used as a production centre for the theatre's operation and the production phase of plays. The troupe will have access to a rehearsal space, meeting room, offices, workshop, and prop room that meet its immediate needs allowing it to further develop its artistic creativity and produce high-quality plays. The rehearsal space will be used for small performances and readings and will create a new facility for the performing arts in Saskatoon. These funds also allowed the troupe to complete the architectural work and to plan for the renovation and expansion of the facility into a state-of-the-art theatre production centre.
"La Troupe du Jour is a major contributor to Saskatchewan's theatre community and cultural scene," said Minister Moore. "This centre will increase La Troupe du Jour's visibility in Saskatoon and will add to the quality of its productions, benefiting artists and theatre lovers across the province."
"Today's investment will ensure that Francophone artists in Saskatchewan have access to a space that fosters artistic creativity and innovation," said Mrs. Block. "This support for La Troupe du Jour's Theatre Production Centre is another example of our Government's commitment to boosting the local economy and creating jobs."
Mrs. Block also took the opportunity to highlight the new funding for the Cultural Spaces Canada program and officially announced publication of new guidelines for the program that put emphasis on economic growth. She encouraged local organizations to apply for funding and highlighted the significant impact of the Cultural Spaces Canada program in the region. "As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our Government has committed to investing an additional $60 million over the next two years in theatres, museums, and libraries. Now is the perfect time to invest in cultural infrastructure," added Mrs. Block.
"We are grateful for the support from the Government of Canada, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, and donations from individuals that have enabled us to become owners of our facility," said Denis Rouleau, Artistic and Managing Director of La Troupe du Jour. "Our facility will be an incubator of creative ideas and talents. It will serve as a hub where different arts and theatre groups can meet and share resources and expertise for a new generation of playwrights, production artists, and actors."
La Troupe du Jour, founded in 1985, is the only Francophone professional theatre company in Saskatchewan and is committed to the development of French-language theatre. Through a program of productions, workshops, training, artist talks, and tours, La Troupe du Jour plays a leading role in the field of drama in western Canada.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $165,729 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:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Francine D. Lefebvre
A/Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-229-5283
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
