SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick, March 30, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament (Saint John), today announced funding for the upcoming performance season of the Imperial Theatre.
This funding will support the Imperial Theatre's 2010-2011 performance season, which will feature nearly 50 artistic events and workshops, including a number of outreach activities.
"Our Government is proud to support organizations like the Imperial Theatre," said Minister Moore. "By investing in this theatre, we are not only investing in our cultural sector, but also contributing to the economic and social vitality of communities across the country."
"The Imperial Theatre makes an outstanding contribution to the cultural landscape of this region," said Mr. Weston. "This funding demonstrates our Government's support for arts and culture here in Saint John, throughout New Brunswick, and across Canada."
"Funding from the Government of Canada, through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, allows the Imperial Theatre to undertake meaningful outreach activities in the community of Greater Saint John and also assists us in bringing in artists from other regions of Canada and from around the world," said Peter D. Smith, the Imperial Theatre's General Manager.
The Imperial Theatre is the main performance venue in Saint John. It reaches more than 100 000 people annually with its regular programming, as well as 75 000 students with its school series and programming for young audiences. The Imperial Theatre's annual performance lineup features top Canadian, international, and Atlantic professional artists in a broad spectrum of performing arts, including dance, theatre and musical theatre, circus arts, drama, operatic arts, and music of all genres. Its programming caters to a wide and culturally diverse audience and includes an important educational component.
The Government of Canada has provided $55,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (formerly Arts Presentation Canada program) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@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
