Government of Canada announces funding for the Decidedly Jazz Society
April 30, 2014 – Calgary – Department of Canadian Heritage
Funding of $1.9 million over two years ($500,000 in 2013–2014 and $1.4 million in 2014–2015) provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will allow the Decidedly Jazz Society to construct a new five-storey dance centre in downtown Calgary. An official groundbreaking ceremony, coinciding with International Jazz Day, was held today at the new site of the Decidedly Jazz Dance Centre.
This funding was announced today by Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Shelly Glover.
The new building will include seven dance studios, administration offices, a space for building and storing costumes, dressing rooms, media storage, and a library. The dance studios will range in size from 1,190 square feet to a two-storey, 3,600-square-foot studio that will double as a fully equipped performance space with seating for 200 people.
“I am heartened to see how Decidedly Jazz is creatively harnessing its facilities to prepare artists for the future and provide them with a rehearsal and performance space equipped to meet their needs. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the Decidedly Jazz Dance Centre’s official groundbreaking.”
—Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
“This new facility will allow Decidedly Jazz to host a greater number of intimate performances on-site, something they were not able to do before. Thanks to our Government’s support, professional jazz dance artists in Calgary will now have a safe, state-of-the-art facility to train and perform, learn and grow—and most importantly, a place to call home.”
—Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre)
“It is so exciting to officially start the construction phase of this important new cultural resource for our community. We appreciate the support of all three levels of government, our partners and donors in helping to make this dream a reality. This new facility will have a significant impact on our community, providing studio, creation and performance space for DJD, as well as for other arts groups, professional artists and dance companies. We thank the Department of Canadian Heritage for contributing to this important new cultural facility for Calgary.”
—Kathi Sundstrom, Executive Director, Decidedly Jazz
Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Communications Manager
Canadian Heritage
Western Region
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
