WINNIPEG, April 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Renovations to the Prairie Theatre Exchange will boost tourism and create jobs and growth in Manitoba, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), and Member of Parliament (Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The funding announced will help Prairie Theatre Exchange take the final steps to complete a renovation and modernization project that adds a new lounge and performance space, as well as a workspace and library for playwrights. A new system has also been installed to assure adequate heat, air circulation and air conditioning of the new spaces.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations such as Prairie Theatre Exchange," said Minister Moore. "By investing in this project, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."
"It's great to see first-hand the wonderful renovations Prairie Theatre Exchange has undertaken in the last year," said Minister Fletcher. "The new space will help the theatre grow and bring in tourists both from Manitoba and outside the province."
"Prairie Theatre Exchange is very grateful to the Government of Canada for the extraordinary contribution we received for our capital project," said Cherry Karpyshin, General Manager, Prairie Theatre Exchange. "This support, along with that of other levels of government, foundations, and individual and corporate donors, enables us to continue with key elements of our project and subsequently complete the renovation and modernization of the Playwright's Library, the enhanced studio spaces for our Theatre School, as well as our seminar room, all of which will be available to the wider community."
Prairie Theatre Exchange is a professional theatre company with a mandate focused on producing the work of Manitoban and Canadian artists. Annually, it presents five plays as part of the main stage season, one play for young audiences, as well as the Carol Shields Festival of New Works. Its Theatre for Young People Touring Program, which offers performances in elementary schools and other community settings throughout the province, reaches more than 17,000 Manitobans each year.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $250,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentations or exhibitions. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays. This funding is in addition to the $734,510 initially provided to Prairie Theatre Exchange for the project.
(media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-899-8611
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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