KELOWNA, BC, June 21, 2012 /CNW/ - Upgrades to the Kelowna Community Theatre will stimulate both the economy and the cultural life of the Okanagan Valley, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament (Kelowna-Lake Country), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will support the purchase and installation of new sound equipment, including new mixing consoles, acoustic baffling, microphones, stage monitors, and a main public address system. By bringing the sound system in line with current professional standards, the theatre will be able to expand its variety of performances on offer, attracting new audiences and generating economic activity in the community.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in projects that boost tourism and strengthen our economy," said Minister Moore. "By supporting the Kelowna Community Theatre, we are delivering on our commitment to strengthen Canada's economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage."
"This theatre is an important venue for artistic activities for the citizens of Kelowna and area," said Mr. Cannan. "Today's investment is a wonderful example of how our Government is supporting organizations that contribute to the cultural vitality and quality of life of their community."
"We appreciate the support provided by the Government of Canada to improve the sound quality at the Kelowna Community Theatre," said Randy Zahara, Theatre Manager. "This funding enables us to work with an acoustical engineer to evaluate, design, and install architectural elements on the main stage and in the theatre auditorium, which will greatly enhance the quality of all non-amplified performances. Improvements to the sound quality at the theatre will have a positive impact on audience development and will attract a wider variety of high-calibre artists."
The Kelowna Community Theatre, owned and operated by the City of Kelowna, was built in 1962 and is the city's largest professional theatre. In addition to the more than 250 events it hosts each year, the theatre is also home to the Okanagan Symphony and Ballet Kelowna.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $130,000 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 arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections, and heritage displays.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
Perry Boldt
Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739
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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