The Government of Canada Invests Close to $2 Million in Glace Bay's Savoy Theatre
This project will help modernize the historic Savoy Theatre in Cape Breton
GLACE BAY, NS, Feb. 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament (Cape Breton?Canso), today announced a federal investment of $1.95 million in upgrades and specialized equipment for the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay on Cape Breton Island.
Mr. Cuzner made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Canadian Heritage has provided $1 million, while ACOA has contributed $950,000.
Funding of $980,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia was announced by the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business and MLA for Glace Bay, on behalf of the Honourable Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
The historic Savoy Theatre, which turned 90 in 2017, is an invaluable cultural asset in Cape Breton. The upgrades announced today will extend the life of the Savoy and vastly improve artistic and audience experiences, production values and building operations.
In addition to structural renovations, improvements will be made to sound and lighting equipment. Substantial savings are expected in heating, electrical and water costs as a result of improved energy and environmental efficiencies.
These improvements will enable the Savoy to continue to serve as a key piece of cultural infrastructure, enhancing Glace Bay's tourism appeal, which will lead to economic benefits for the region.
The funding of $1 million from Canadian Heritage is being provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada dedicated an unprecedented $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 Budget 2017.
Funding from ACOA is being provided through the Innovative Communities Fund, which helps Atlantic communities strengthen infrastructure; enhance environmental performance; overcome economic challenges and build on their strengths to create long-term employment and economic growth.
Provincial funding is provided through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
Quotes
"As part of our vision to support our creative industries, our government is proud to invest in cultural infrastructure in communities all across the country. Venues such as the Savoy Theatre support Canada's talented artists and creative industry professionals, while giving audiences greater access to professional artistic experiences."
?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"The Savoy Theatre has been an iconic part of the Cape Breton arts and entertainment scene for 90 years. Undertaking these improvements will ensure it continues to thrive and provide the high-calibre facility that local and international artists expect, and that patrons desire. The Government of Canada is pleased to support this historic venue as it continues to play a leading role in the vibrant cultural life of the community, drawing visitors to the region and creating economic prosperity."
?Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament (Cape Breton?Canso)
"The Savoy Theatre is an important contributor to the vitality and cultural landscape of Glace Bay. The theatre is treasured by the people in this community and many others from across Cape Breton Island, the province and beyond. This is an important investment in our creative economy that will ensure generations to come can enjoy performances that showcase the amazing talent this province has to offer."
?The Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business and MLA for Glace Bay, on behalf of the Honourable Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister, Government of Nova Scotia
"2017 marked the Savoy Theatre's 90th year, so the focus is now on the road to 100. Without this crucial funding support, these very necessary upgrades and renovations would simply not happen, making our road to 100 nearly impossible to travel. The work being done will ensure our beautiful and historic theatre will continue to foster talent, invite visitors to our island and offer touring performers an experience on par with national theatres. We are grateful that the Government of Nova Scotia, ACOA and Canadian Heritage recognize the importance of?and continue to support?our Cape Breton gem."
?Pam Leader, Executive Director, Savoy Theatre
Quick Facts
The Savoy Theatre was established in 1927 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, built to the specifications of the famed Victorian show houses. The Savoy Theatre Society was incorporated in 1989 to provide cultural programming and encourage the development of local talent in Cape Breton.
Programming at the Savoy includes: in-house musical theatre and dinner theatre featuring local talent; presenting national and international artists; and serving as a rental venue for a variety of performing artists.
Each year, the theatre features about 100 events from a wide range of genres, including dance and theatre, as well as Celtic, classical, folk, rock and hip hop music.
Improvements to the Savoy will enable the theatre to operate throughout the year, which will result in more performances and an expected increase in audience numbers to 33,000 from the current 30,000.
Associated Links
Canadian Heritage - Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ? Innovative Communities Fund
Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, Government of Nova Scotia
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
News published on and distributed by:
