Calgary's National Music Centre Receives $5 Million Federal Investment

This funding, allocated through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, supported the final stages of construction for Studio Bell, including exhibition spaces, recording studios and an integrated ticketing system

CALGARY, Aug. 24, 2017 /CNW/ - The National Music Centre (NMC) in Calgary's East Village is benefitting from a significant investment in cultural infrastructure, thanks to the Government of Canada. The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), today announced $5 million in support of Studio Bell, home of the NMC. Minister Hehr made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

This funding, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, supported the final stages of construction of Studio Bell, including three recording studios to be used by artists-in-residence; an integrated ticketing system; finishing of exhibition spaces; electrical, audiovisual and mechanical systems; and Solar Drones, a public art piece.

In its first year of operation, Studio Bell has received international acclaim for its architecture, won awards for its exhibition design, hosted major events, and supported over a dozen artists-in-residence. The Centre continues to promote and celebrate Canadian music pioneers and icons through the on-site Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection and Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Quotes

"Investing in our cultural infrastructure helps build strong communities while creating jobs and growing the economy and the middle class. Our Government is proud to support the National Music Centre, home to our country's most comprehensive collection of musical treasures and artifacts, as it continues to ignite creativity in visitors of all ages and showcase the many creators and pioneers who have made their mark on Canadian music."

?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The National Music Centre has created an important new landmark that celebrates the ongoing story of music in Canada. From vibrant exhibitions to hands-on education programs to concerts, the NMC is quickly becoming an international hub for music and a place of pride for Canadian music fans. The Centre has proven itself to be a place of outstanding vision and ambition, and has contributed to the continued revitalization of Calgary's East Village."

?The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre)

"The support provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund was critical to our growth and the success of our opening year. We thank Canadian Heritage for its support for our vision and commitment to amplifying love, sharing and understanding of music from coast to coast to coast."

?Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, National Music Centre

Quick Facts

The National Music Centre was officially launched in February 2012; however, the organization has existed in various forms under different names for the last 25 years, including the Cantos Music Foundation. Groundbreaking for the new building in Calgary took place in February 2013.

Studio Bell is a new state-of-the art facility designed by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture. An international hub for music and technology, Studio Bell is the first national cultural institution of its kind dedicated to celebrating music in Canada in all of its forms.

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.

Associated Links

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
National Music Centre 
Studio Bell

SOURCE Canadian Heritage