Government of Canada announces funding for the Comite de spectacles de Sainte-Marie Inc.
SAINTE-MARIE, October 3, 2003 -- Claude Drouin, Secretary of State (Canada Economic Development) and Member of Parliament (Beauce), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $500,000 for the Comité de spectacles de Sainte-Marie Inc. to convert the Benoît-Vachon auditorium into a professional-quality performance hall."The Beauce region has always been a culturally dynamic area with a boundless interest in the arts and artistic creativity," said Mr. Drouin. "I am pleased that the Government of Canada is helping to equip our region with a quality performance space that will allow local residents to experience an increased variety of shows."
This project will allow for renovation and modernization of the current Benoît-Vachon auditorium to bring it up to professional performing arts standards. Work will include modernizing its theatrical infrastructure, including sound and lighting equipment, and improving areas open to the public. The number of seats will be increased from 400 to 550.
The Comité de spectacles de Sainte-Marie Inc. was founded in 1983 to offer high-quality and diverse programming, and to raise public awareness of new forms of performing arts.
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 arts, visual arts, media arts, and 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 initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien Marie-Claude Lavigne
Press Secretary Director of communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage Office of the Secretary of State
(819) 997-7788 (Canada Development Economic)
(514) 496-2656
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