Government of Canada supports enhancements to Acadian cultural centre, La Picasse
July 29, 2015 – Petit-de-Grat, N.S. -- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The cultural hub of the Acadian community of Isle Madame, Centre La Picasse, is getting an updated look in 2015. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Business Development Program, is providing a $37,500 contribution to enable La Picasse to undertake rebranding activities that will enhance its authentic Acadian experience for visitors.
Nestled in the francophone fishing village of Petit-de-Grat, the symbolism of the community centre’s name, La Picasse – or the anchor – aptly conveys the institution’s role on the island. Through a host of artistic, cultural and educational activities, La Picasse “anchors” the language and culture of the local Acadian community.
In addition to serving as the uniting force for francophonie and Acadian traditions on Isle Madame, Centre La Picasse also houses a theatre and banquet hall, a charming café, small conference rooms, a branch of the Eastern Regional Library, a tourist information desk, an arts and crafts boutique, and a C@P site.The centre also rents office space to groups who work towards the enhancement of the French language and cultural identity such as the Conseil scolaire acadien du Nord-Est, and the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Other tenants include service providers such as Service Canada Access Centre, GASHA Addiction Services and Justice Correctional Community Services.
The provincial government, through its Communities, Culture and Heritage: Community Facilties Improvement Program, will contribute $25,000 toward this project. Other contributors include St. Joseph’s Credit Union, l’Association du centre maritime Isle à Souris and the Municipality of Richmond County.
Quick Facts:
- Centre La Picasse’s objectives are to support the advancement of the French language and Acadian heritage through research, publications, artistic, musical and community cultural events.
- The centre is also attached to Université Sainte-Anne’s Petit-de-Grat campus as well as an aquaculture centre.
- This project has been identified in the Richmond County Tourism Strategy and has garnered the support of the Commission du tourisme acadien du Canada atlantique.
- On Isle Madame, a “picasse” is a traditional anchor used in small boats. Traditionally handmade by local fishermen, the picasse was built with two large pieces of wood crossed and carved with pointed edges, mounted by a big rock circled with strong small branchs of wood tied with ropes at the top.
Quotes:
“Our Government recognizes that a sustainable tourism industry is vital to building strong, healthy communities. We are pleased to support Centre La Picasse as they work to provide an authentic Acadian experience for visitors to our region, complementing other tourism offerings in Cape Breton and encouraging visitors to stay longer.”
- Senator Michael L. MacDonald, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“La Picasse has played a most significant role in the development of this community, and has been the place to come and share in Acadian and Francophone traditions on Isle Madame since it opened its doors almost 20 years ago. We’re pleased to help with improvements that will enhance the authentic Acadian experience it provides visitors.”
- The Honourable Michel Samson, Nova Scotia Minister of Acadian Affairs
“We have a lot of work to do this fall and we are very excited to get started. This funding allows us to undertake a number of improvements to the facility and enhance our marketing activities. With this rebranding effort, we are reinforcing our Acadian identity and the vibrancy of the Acadian culture in Cape Breton.”
- Audrey Boudreau, President, La Picasse, Centre Communautaire Culturel
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Janine Lacroix
Executive Director
Centre La Picasse
902-226-0149 (office)
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