Investing in the Performing Arts in Southeastern Alberta

News Release

Member of Parliament LaVar Payne announces support for the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre

December 17, 2014 – Medicine Hat, Alberta – Department of Canadian Heritage

The City of Medicine Hat will receive multi-year funding of $90,000 ($45,000 in 2015–2016 and $45,000 in 2016–2017) through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund for the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre. LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament (Medicine Hat), announced this support today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will enable the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre to present an annual series that connects Medicine Hat’s residents and visitors with performances from a variety of artistic disciplines, including music, dance and theatre.

Quick Facts

The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre is a multidisciplinary presenter based in Medicine Hat, Alberta. It was built in 2005 as one of Alberta’s Centennial Legacy projects.
In both of the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 seasons, from April to March, the Esplanade will present approximately 45 performances with an expected annual attendance of 38,000.
The Esplanade also offers approximately 20 outreach activities annually, including master classes in dance and theatre, and programs that bring professional artists into classrooms.
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund 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.

Quotes

“Our Government knows that arts organizations like the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre provide artists with an opportunity to express their creativity and strengthen our communities. We are proud to support the work being done by the Esplanade to bring the richness of our cultural heritage to Medicine Hat and its surrounding communities.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre is a mainstay in Medicine Hat, providing our city and the surrounding rural communities with top-notch, world-class performances. I am excited to see the Esplanade continue to deliver its outstanding performances over the next two seasons and look forward to what it has in store for us!”

—LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament (Medicine Hat)

“The Canada Arts Presentation Fund grant allows us to present Canadian artists from every province and genre. Canadian Heritage has been a strong supporter of the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, and we look forward to another two years of working together in presenting new Canadian talent.”

—Paul Heywood, Director of Theatre Operations, Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre