Government of Canada Announces Funding for the City of Iqaluit
IQALUIT, October 14, 2003 -- Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament (Nunavut) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $40,000 for the City of Iqaluit to help it assess the viability of bringing an Arts and Culture Centre to Iqaluit."The Government of Canada is working to ensure Canadians have access the widest possible range of Canadian experiences, through all media and all forms of artistic expression," said Karetak-Lindell. "This initiative seeks to improve Iqaluit residents' and visitors' access to arts and heritage experiences, and to enrich our community's cultural life and showcase Nunavut's creative talent"
The City of Iqaluit, in cooperation with the Iqaluit Rotary Club, will oversee a feasibility study, which will address the needs of the facility and identify the mechanisms necessary to support its growth and viability. It will also include a strategy to promote the facility. The project will determine the best approach to establishing a Centre that would operate year-round.
The goal of the Centre would be to encourage public appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of cultural and performing arts. It will also play a critical role in developing and delivering artistic and cultural programs, representative of Nunavut cultural traditions, to residents and visitors.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Cultural Spaces Canada program. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, and also improves physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding is also provided for the construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities, for the purchase of specialized equipment, and for feasibility studies and projects to transform buildings into arts or heritage facilities.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
[ Media Room ]
