SASKATOON, February 16, 2010 - 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 the expansion and renovation of its theatre production centre.
This funding will allow La Troupe du Jour to create a facility for producing high quality French-language theatre productions. The newly renovated space will include a rehearsal hall, green room, technical room, workshop, and wardrobe storage. Each space will be designed to meet the needs of theatre production and furnished with state-of-the-art equipment. The new facility will also be available for other performers who need rehearsal and production space.
"Our Government believes in the importance of stimulating the economy by investing in a number of key sectors, including arts and culture," said Minister Moore. "By supporting the renovation and expansion of La Troupe du Jour's theatre production centre, we are helping ensure that Canadians have access to exceptional artistic experiences in their communities."
"Our Government recognizes the need to support this theatre and the quality productions it offers to residents of Saskatoon and the surrounding region," said Mrs. Block. "La Troupe du Jour makes a vital contribution to the city's economy and cultural life, and this investment will ensure that this cultural institution can thrive for years to come."
"We are very grateful to receive this federal funding," said Denis Rouleau, Artistic Director of La Troupe du Jour. "This project will not only provide La Troupe du Jour with a permanent home but it will be a facility available to a great number of organizations needing a place to work and create. Located in the core neighbourhood of Riversdale, this facility will be a hub for creativity and contribute to the revitalization of a place we are proud to call home."
Founded in 1985, La Troupe du Jour is the only French 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 Western Canada's theatre scene.
The Government of Canada has provided $900,000 in 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.
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.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Chantal Rougeau
A/Manager
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-984-5505
Cell: 204-298-9833
chantal.rougeau@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
