Government of Canada funding will support major upgrades to audio, visual and lighting at the Citadel Theatre's five theatres
EDMONTON, Jan. 16, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods), and Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), today announced an investment in cultural infrastructure for one of the city's most important arts facilities, the Citadel Theatre. Minister Sohi and Mr. Boissonnault made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
This innovative theatre houses five performance spaces, all of which will be receiving significant upgrades, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The Citadel Theatre is benefitting from $504,262 in funding through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for specialized equipment, including video projectors, stage draperies for the Shoctor and Maclab theatres, LED stage light fixtures, and sound consoles. Additionally, funding will support renovations to the catwalk in the Maclab Theatre to accommodate lighting and improve safety for staff.
These upgrades and renovations will allow the Citadel Theatre to ensure that all five venues operate at the highest professional levels with the latest technology. This will enhance both the quality of the performances on offer and the audience experience.
Quotes
"Investments in our cultural institutions help build strong, vibrant communities. Our government is proud to support the Citadel Theatre in upgrading its performance spaces, ensuring it remains a landmark cultural destination in Alberta and giving performers and presenters from all artistic disciplines access to a modernized facility."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Today's announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to developing and improving access to cultural institutions for all Canadians. Every day, I see first-hand how investments in cultural infrastructure contribute to building dynamic and inclusive cities. The Citadel Theatre will be able to improve its facility as a result of this funding, and I look forward to seeing how these enhancements will make this landmark performance venue in Edmonton even better."
—The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods)
"The Citadel Theatre is an anchor in our Edmonton community, enchanting spectators for over 50 years with stunning productions. Through unparalleled theatre programs and innovative programming, the Citadel Theatre sparks creativity in all who enter its doors—including a future generation of playwrights and theatre artists. I am thrilled that our government has provided cultural infrastructure funding to the Citadel Theatre to continue building on its success."
—Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre)
"We are incredibly grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for this generous contribution to the modernization and upgrades for the iconic Citadel Theatre. This support allows us to continue to have a premiere venue where excellent theatre can be created and enjoyed by residents and visitors to Edmonton in the years to come."
—Chantell Ghosh, Executive Director, Citadel Theatre
Quick Facts
The Citadel Theatre, founded in October 1965 by a group of committed theatre supporters, is Edmonton's first professional theatre company. The company now programs over 300 performances a year and reaches an audience of more than 130,000 annually.
The five performances spaces of the Citadel Theatre are the Shoctor Theatre (proscenium stage), the Maclab Theatre (thrust stage), The Club (a cabaret-style venue formerly known as the Rice Theatre), Zeidler Hall and the Tucker Amphitheatre.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.
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SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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