Investing in Cultural Infrastructure in Halifax

The Government of Canada invests $391,211 in the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium at the Dalhousie University Arts Centre

HALIFAX, Nov. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament (Halifax), today announced $391,211 in funding for the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, a component of the Dalhousie University Arts Centre. Mr. Fillmore made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium is one of Atlantic Canada's premiere venues for the performing arts. The investment will go towards new stage sound and lighting equipment for the auditorium, as well as an upgraded exterior marquee.

The funding is provided by the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. In Budget 2016, the Government of Canada dedicated $168.2 million to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund over two years. This was followed by an additional $300 million for the fund over 10 years in this year's budget.

Quotes

"Our government knows that investments in arts and culture help build strong communities. Our government is proud to support improvements at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, which will ensure that audiences can enjoy high-quality cultural experiences, and that the institution will remain a landmark cultural destination in Canada.

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Halifax is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, and the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, in whose purple seats I grew up, plays an important role in this region. Our government is proud to invest in cultural infrastructure, giving artists, performers and presenters access to a modern and efficient facility, while generating local economic development."

—Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament (Halifax)

"Dalhousie University has put a priority on serving the broader community. We are grateful for this funding from Canadian Heritage, which will allow the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium to provide new state-of-the-art sound and lighting, continuing to serve Nova Scotians by improving the quality of experience for audiences and clients alike."

—Ian Nason, Vice-President, Finance and Administration, Dalhousie University

Quick facts

The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium has a mandate to foster cultural development in Nova Scotia by operating a highly professional performing arts facility that serves its clients (non-profit and community-based organizations, as well as touring and local artists and presenters) and the broader Nova Scotia community.

Since 1971, the Dalhousie Arts Centre, home of the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, has been a key feature in Nova Scotia's arts and culture landscape.

Thousands of performers have appeared on the Cohn stage over its history, including some of the largest names in the worlds of opera, dance and popular music

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund plays a key role in improving 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.

Associated links

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

Dalhousie University Arts Centre

SOURCE Canadian Heritage