TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment by the Government of Canada in arts and culture in Toronto will help boost the local economy and benefit residents and visitors. Support for the B.A.A.N.N. Theatre Centre was announced today by Senator Don Meredith, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The B.A.A.N.N. Theatre Centre develops innovative theatre as well as dance and multidisciplinary arts performances. The organization is recognized as a crucial resource in the development of emerging artists both locally and nationally despite never having a permanent location. With this funding, The Theatre Centre will have a new permanent home in the historic Carnegie Library, including a 225-seat theatre, a rehearsal hall, a prop and set workshop, and other performance and administrative space. Local artists and arts organizations from across Canada will benefit from the improved and expanded performance spaces, and better equipment, and Canadians will have an opportunity to see a greater number of performing arts and visual art exhibitions.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects like this one, which contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today."
"The renovation and transformation of the historic Carnegie Library will create an exciting new performing arts facility in Toronto where our youth can develop their talents and explore their passion for the arts," said Senator Meredith. "This investment will support the cultural vitality of our community and strengthen our economy."
"After inhabiting more than ten locations in 33 years, the Theatre Centre board, staff and artists are thrilled to finally have a permanent residence. We have worked diligently for many years to create a space that will be fully and permanently integrated into West Queen West," said Franco Boni, General and Artistic Director. "We are grateful for the generous support that the Government of Canada has given to this visionary project. This project will be truly transformative for the neighbourhood and the artistic community that thrives here. The venue will welcome and engage the local community and be a destination point for those visiting this increasingly popular part of the city."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $1.8 million through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Jillian Lum
Manager, Communications Ontario Region
Canadian Heritage
416-973-2050
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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