News Release

For Immediate Release
October 18, 2007

Cape Breton CENTRE For Craft and Design CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

SYDNEY (NS) – The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design (CBCC&D) celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed facility today thanks to investments from the Government of Canada,  the Government of Nova Scotia and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The new building, located on Charlotte Street in downtown Sydney, comprises 14,000 sq. ft. on three levels and boasts specialized studios for various crafts and guilds, classroom space and a storefront gallery where craft producers can display and sell their products.

“The Government of Canada is working with its partners to get things done for the people of Cape Breton,” said Senator Gerald Comeau, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Our government’s funding of nearly $2.2 million for the construction of this impressive facility is not only an investment in the development of the Cape Breton Island craft sector, but also a strategic investment in tourism infrastructure and the urban renewal of downtown Sydney.”

"The Province of Nova Scotia is pleased to invest in this modern facility with our federal and municipal partners," said Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald.  "The new Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design will ensure the arts and culture sector in Cape Breton continues to prosper and contributes to the economy and quality of life in the region.

"The funding has allowed the CBCC&D, which has championed the development of the craft sector of Cape Breton for over 35 years, to enhance its programs and services. The Centre is a focal point for the sector, helping craft producers and artisans take advantage of growth opportunities thereby creating employment and increasing income.

“Issues like skills transference, marketing products outside Cape Breton and the ability to develop better business and technology skills have long affected this sector’s capacity to grow and prosper,” said Carol Beaton, CBCC&D Executive Director. “With the grand opening of this new facility, we are better equipped to address these needs and
co-ordinate initiatives designed to expand and ensure the sustainability of the industry.

The total cost of this project was $2.6 million. Funding for the construction of the CBCC&D was made available through a non-repayable contribution of
$2 million from Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and $175,000 from the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Province of Nova Scotia contributed $300,000 through the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality provided $20,000.

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design is committed to developing programs that preserve, elevate, expand and enhance the creation of craft. They serve the craft community of Cape Breton Island from beginners and recreational practitioners to highly accomplished professionals, offering instruction, as well as resource and support services.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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For more information:

Carol Beaton
Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
902-539-7491 ext. 113

Vicki Fraser
NS Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage
(902) 424-7608

D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617