Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Vertigo Mystery Theatre
CALGARY, January 31, 2003 -- Minister of Health Anne McLellan, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $2 million for the renovation of the Tower Centre Cinemas by Vertigo Mystery Theatre."This renovation project enhances the vision of a vibrant cultural district within Calgary's city centre," said Ms. McLellan. "Today's funding will enable the creation of new facilities which will allow the community greater access to a variety of theatre productions and provide artists with new performing venues."
The Vertigo Mystery Theatre is renovating two inoperative movie theatres located under the Calgary Tower in the Palliser Square Complex. The new venues will boast a 350-seat theatre; a rehearsal hall, which can be converted into a 200-seat theatre; and various support facilities. The new complex will be available for use by local, provincial, and national touring performing arts companies.
Various arts organizations in Calgary have expressed their enthusiasm and support for this project. This renovation project will create the first new artistic performing space in Calgary since 1985.
The Vertigo Mystery Theatre is Canada's only professional mystery theatre with a loyal subscription audience of 4500 -- the second largest subscription base for live theatre in Calgary. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Cultural Spaces Canada program, part of a $568-million investment in the arts and culture, announced by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Minister of Canadian Heritage, on May 2, 2001.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-JulienPress Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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