Minister Joly Announces Historic Investment in Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury

The Francophone community, as well as the wider Sudbury community, to benefit from combined $12.5M federal investment in construction of Place des Arts in Sudbury

SUDBURY, ON, Oct. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Investments in the cultural infrastructure that Canadians need will improve their quality of life and strengthen communities, making them better places to live.

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, was joined by Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, to announce $12.5 million in cultural infrastructure funding to support Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury.

The cultural infrastructure funding will go toward the construction of this innovative gathering place for the region's Franco-Ontarian community as well as the wider community. The centre will include multiple performance spaces, a contemporary art gallery, three artists' studios, a rehearsal and training space, workshop spaces, administrative spaces and two community meeting rooms.

Residents and visitors to Sudbury will be able to access a range of performances, exhibitions, book launches, workshops and community gatherings right in the heart of their community.

The announcement of this investment helps solidify the vision of Paulette Gagnon, Director of Development for Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury. Ms. Gagnon was one of the most influential and inspiring people in Ontario's cultural scene. A passionate theatre lover, Ms. Gagnon was deeply involved in a number of key organizations, including Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council, La Nouvelle Scène, the National Arts Centre's French Theatre, the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française and the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada. Her commitment to the Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury project mobilized and inspired the entire Franco-Ontarian arts community.

Cultural infrastructure funding of $9.5M is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. 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.

Three million dollars in funding is provided by the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), the Government of Canada's economic development organization working with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario.

Quotes

"Our government knows that investments in arts and culture help build strong communities. We are proud to support Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury, a space that provides access to a range of multi-disciplinary arts and cultural events for the region's Francophone community and the wider Sudbury community, while creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. This investment is part of our government's commitment to promoting the vitality of official-language minority communities and ensuring that more Canadians have access to cultural institutions."

?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Our government is proud to support the economic vitality of Greater Sudbury's Francophone arts and culture community. Thanks to this investment, artists from across the region will soon have a unique state-of-the-art performance and presentation facility, which is sure to benefit the people and businesses of Northern Ontario."

?Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

"Today's announcement is a tremendous boost to the local economy, as the Place des Arts will not only help local artists, performers and presenters access a modern and efficient facility, but will also generate economic development and tourism opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the Greater Sudbury and Nickel Belt region."

?Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

"Today's announcements round out the funding from the three levels of government, a financial package that has come together over the past year. I am especially grateful to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, who this morning gave a moving tribute. This final step crowns seven years of work by the founding members and their volunteers. I thank them for their commitment to the creation of our 'cultural beacon', a Francophone meeting place for all of Sudbury's citizens."

?Stéphane Gauthier, President, Place des arts du Grand Sudbury

Quick Facts

Once built, Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury will be a multi-use arts centre in downtown Sudbury, with space for performances, exhibitions, studios, rehearsals, cultural events, and community gatherings.

The Place des Arts project is led by a coalition of seven professional francophone arts, heritage, and culture organizations that have been contributing to the arts and culture scene in Greater Sudbury for many years.

Budget 2017 proposed to invest $300 million over 10 years in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to support the development of Canadian talent and to promote entrepreneurship in the arts and culture community. These investments across Canada will help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada's rich cultural scene.

Associated Links

Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury 

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

SOURCE Canadian Heritage