FORT SASKATCHEWAN, Alberta, September 25, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Tim Uppal, Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Sherwood Park), today announced funding for Fort Saskatchewan's Shell Theatre.
This funding will allow the Shell Theatre to purchase specialized lighting and technical equipment as part of the second phase of a technical upgrade to modernize equipment. This project will enhance the quality and standards of the facility and improve the Shell Theatre's technical capacity to stage artistic presentations.
"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. "By supporting the Shell Theatre's technical equipment upgrade, we are helping ensure that Canadians have access to exceptional artistic experiences in their communities."
"It gives me great pleasure to announce this funding," said Mr. Uppal. "Our Government recognizes the need to support this theatre and the quality productions it offers to residents of Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding region. The Shell Theatre makes a vital contribution to the city's economy and cultural life."
"The City of Fort Saskatchewan is proud of its ongoing partnership with the Government of Canada under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Shell Theatre lighting upgrade will increase the efficiency and versatility of our professional lighting equipment, resulting in more creative and cost-effective productions," said Richard Gagnon, Project Manager for the City of Fort Saskatchewan. "It will benefit our community groups and Canadian artists by enhancing their production, and will improve the experience of our audience."
In 2004, the Dow Centennial Centre--a multi-use complex containing the 550-seat Shell Theatre--opened in Fort Saskatchewan to serve the cultural and recreational needs of the community. The Theatre provides a variety of performing and visual arts experiences to citizens of Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding rural areas by presenting Canadian displays and productions, as well as works and performances from other countries. The Shell Theatre presents an annual multidisciplinary series that provides Canadians with direct access to a diversity of quality cultural presentations featuring theatre, comedy, and music.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $66,800 under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (formerly 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, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.
The Government of Canada is investing $540 million in the arts and culture sector to stimulate the economy as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. It also recently renewed funding for federal arts programs totalling $1.51 billion over the next five years.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Ginette Montreuil
Regional Manager Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
