Government of Canada Supports Cultural Vitality: Theatre Junction Benefits from Important Funding |
| CALGARY, August 29, 2005 -- Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre) Anne McLellan, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced funding of $2.5 million in support of the Theatre Junction Society. The funds will enable the organization to renovate the GrandTheatre Culture House in downtown Calgary and to enhance its programming. "This important investment will make improved working conditions possible for Calgary's artistic community. From now on, artists from the theatre, dance and music worlds will be able to rehearse in a professionally designed and equipped facility," said Minister McLellan. "This theatre will be one of the only performance spaces of its kind in Western Canada." "The Government of Canada is proud to support projects like this one, which enrich the cultural life of our communities and create a legacy of artistic excellence in the country," said Minister Frulla. "This funding represents a concrete contribution to the cultural vitality of both Calgary and Alberta." The Grand Theatre Culture House, built in 1912, is one of the few remaining original theatre houses in Canada. This project addresses a critical shortage of available professional performance and rehearsal space in Calgary. Already, several of Calgary's emerging and established arts organizations are seeking access to this new facility. Funds from the Government of Canada will also serve to enhance Theatre Junction's programming, which has a continuing commitment to the training of emerging actors. Theatre Junction offers recent graduates and interns from theatre schools in Canada opportunities for apprenticeship with its professional ensemble during the theatre season. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Spaces Canada program. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts and also improves physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. Information: Jean-François Del Torchio Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Alex Swann Director of Communications Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (613) 991-2924 Derick McNeil A/Senior Communications Officer Canadian Heritage (604) 666-2454 |
