MONTRÉAL, August 25, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière), today announced funding of $2,289,671 for the Théâtre de La Manufacture for its project to expand the Théâtre La Licorne.
"Our Government believes it is important to stimulate the economy by investing in a number of key sectors, including arts and culture," said Minister Moore. "The projects that we are investing in create welcoming spaces that provide an ideal place to express our culture within our communities."
"We are proud to support Quebec's theatre scene. By investing in a new theatre venue, we are encouraging creativity and the spread of the arts," said Mr. Gourde. "The Théâtre de La Manufacture will continue to be a leader in promoting our artists' works and supporting up-and-coming playwrights."
"We are very pleased about the support for the enlargement of the Théâtre La Licorne from the Government of Canada. As a boost to the development of our theatre company, as well as all those we welcome into our space, we have dreamed of this enlargement for many years," said Denis Bernard, Artistic and Executive Director, Théâtre de La Manufacture. "In addition to the fact that it will allow us to fix certain problems related to our current equipment, this new facility will be, more than ever, an engine of change. It will allow us to raise the quality of our productions and improve the broadcast conditions of shows presented at La Licorne, and will help enlarge the size of our audience."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, formerly known as Cultural Spaces Canada. This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections, and heritage displays.
For more information, contact:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
