MONCTON, November 12, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Rob Moore, Member of Parliament (Fundy Royal), today announced renovation and upgrade funding for the Capitol Theatre in downtown Moncton.
The Capitol Complex Upgrade Project will allow the Capitol Theatre to maintain and improve its physical infrastructure and technical capabilities. The project will cover a two-year period and include a variety of renovations and upgrades, as well as the purchase of specialized digital sound and projection equipment. These improvements will include the installation of carpeting and stage curtains and the upgrade of security, surveillance, and fire systems. With these and other improvements, the Capitol Theatre will be able to accommodate the technical and physical needs of its artists and clients in a very professional way.
"This support for the Capitol Theatre is a great example of our Government's commitment to helping organizations that contribute to the cultural vitality and quality of life of their community," said Minister Moore. "By investing in the Capitol Complex Upgrade Project, we are helping preserve this magnificent Capitol Theatre as one of New Brunswick's three major series presenters and indeed the main performance venue of the city of Moncton."
"Our Government is committed to supporting the arts," said Mr. Rob Moore. "With today's announcement of funding for the Capitol Theatre, we are ensuring stability in the arts and culture sector. We trust that our investment in renovations to the Capitol Theatre will ensure that this cultural institution can thrive for years to come."
"With Government of Canada funding, we can continue to maintain the Capitol Theatre in excellent condition and acquire state-of-the-art technical equipment," said Marc Chouinard, the Capitol's General Manager. "We wish to thank Canadian Heritage for supporting our complex."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $200,000 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 totaling $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
Claudine Daigle
Director
Regional Communications
Atlantic Region
Canadian Heritage
506-851-3980
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
