HAMILTON, Ontario, September 24, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, David Sweet, Member of Parliament (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale), today announced funding for Theatre Aquarius.
Theatre Aquarius, a significant hub for professional theatre and dance in Hamilton, has long been one of the region's cultural cornerstones. Since 1991, it has been performing out of the Dofasco Centre for the Arts. Funding provided through this project will directly address the modernization of this 19-year-old theatre building, including an upgrade to the 30,000-square-foot roof with technologically advanced materials. These renovations will improve thermal resistance and insulation and make the building more cost efficient, comfortable, and in line with current environmental standards.
"Our Government is proud to support projects that provide more opportunities for people to connect with their communities through shared cultural activities," said Minister Moore. "This project will not only create new jobs in the Hamilton area, but also strengthen the region's cultural capital for years to come."
"As a patron of the arts in Hamilton, I am pleased with this investment in Theatre Aquarius," said Mr. Sweet. "Theatre Aquarius has earned a reputation over the years for high-quality productions, and this will help make the theatre more energy and cost efficient to everyone's benefit."
"The Department of Canadian Heritage, through its Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, has quite literally helped us keep the roof over our heads," said Ron Ulrich, Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius. "This funding has made it possible to keep our theatre open, our shows running, and our patrons and artists warm and dry."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $587,000 through the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. 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.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
jean-luc.benoit@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
