Funding for Cultural Projects in Moncton

Government of Canada Provides Close to $1.4 Million in Funding to the Capitol Theatre and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre


MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Aug. 19, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced close to $1.4 million in funding for two major cultural organizations in Moncton: the Capitol Theatre and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre.

Funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will go toward two major projects that will allow each organization to improve its infrastructure: $600,000 for the Aberdeen Cultural Centre, and $532,500 for the Capitol Theatre. These renovations will make it possible to continue providing quality spaces and modern equipment to artists and audiences. Financial support is also being provided for both organizations' regular programming and three other projects of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre.

The Aberdeen Cultural Centre also received close to $300,000 in funding from the Province of New Brunswick.

For more information about the projects, see the attached backgrounder.

Quick Facts

  • The Aberdeen Cultural Centre, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, is a multidisciplinary centre in Moncton that is home to a number of organizations and artists in a variety of artistic disciplines.

  • The Centre also presents the Festival Acadie Rock, whose fifth edition is currently underway until August 20. It is also a presenter of shows offering original Francophone programming.

  • The Capitol Theatre is one of the main presenters of shows in Atlantic Canada. A unique heritage building, it is one of only a few pre-war theatres in Canada that have been authentically and historically restored.

  • For the past 20 years, the Capitol Theatre has been offering a wide variety of programming to English and Francophone communities in the Greater Moncton Area.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with the Capitol Theatre and the Aberdeen Cultural Centre. These organizations play a key role in promoting arts and culture in the region. By giving artists an opportunity to showcase their talent and reach new audiences, they provide Canadians and visitors with unique cultural experiences."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"This Centre is one of the most important cultural facilities in New Brunswick. This investment will support the many members of southeastern New Brunswick's vibrant artistic community and the contribution they make to our region and our economy."

-The Honourable Cathy Rogers, Minister of Finance, Government of New Brunswick

"Canadian Heritage's contribution to the final phase of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre renovation project is an invaluable gift for New Brunswick's entire artistic community, as well as for the 40,000 people who use and attend the Centre each year and participate in the events held there to discover the richness of the Acadian culture and other cultures that enrich our community."

-René Légère, Executive Director, Aberdeen Cultural Centre

"The Capitol is absolutely thrilled with the continued support from Canadian Heritage. This funding will help us maintain and enhance the theatre so that it continues to be the jewel of the community in downtown Moncton, as it has been for nearly a quarter century. This investment will allow us to undertake important upgrades to our sound equipment, improve soundproofing between the Main Stage and the adjoining Empress Theatre, as well as completely renovate our artists' dressing rooms and the lobby."

-Manju Varma, Chair of the Board of Directors, Capitol Theatre

Associated Links

Capitol Theatre

Aberdeen Cultural Centre

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Canada 150 Fund

Promotion of Linguistic Duality

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.

Backgrounder

ABERDEEN CULTURAL CENTRE
Project: Restoration and Revitalization
This fourth and final phase of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre renovation project involves all work on the outside surface of the building, including the walls, roof, doors and windows, and the construction of two new presentation spaces (cultural terrace and new site for an outdoor platform).
Source of funding: Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
$600,000 (2016-17)
Project: 2016-17 Programming
As a presenter of entertainment for the past year, the Centre stands out in the region for offering a series of multidisciplinary shows and an outstanding French-language lineup.
Source of funding: Canada Arts Presentation Fund
$15,000 (2016-17)
Project: Festival Acadie Rock 2016
Support for the 5th Festival Acadie Rock, which is being held in Moncton from August 13 to 20, 2016.
Source of funding: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
$47,900 (2016-17)
Project: New Mythology for a New Canada
This project will explore the new imaginations of young Francophone and Francophile Canadians as part of the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Source of funding: Canada 150 Fund
$75,000
$23,000 (2016-17) $52,000 (2017-18)
Project: 100th Anniversary of the Centre, 1916-2016
A series of cultural activities to mark the centennial of Aberdeen Cultural Centre's building, which has been an Anglophone school, a Francophone school, and a Francophone cultural centre.
Source of funding: Promotion of Linguistic Duality
$15,000 (2016-17)
CAPITOL THEATRE
Project: Modernization of the Capitol Theatre (2015-18)
This project will enable the Theatre to transform its lobby, which serves as both a meeting place for the public and an art gallery. Theatre equipment will also be improved and the dressing rooms will be renovated. .
Source of funding: Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
$532,500
$80,000 (2015-16) $230,000 (2016-17) $222,500 (2017-18)
Project: 2016-17 and 2017-18 Programming
Financial support for season 2016-17 and 2017-18 events at the Capitol Theatre.
Source of funding: Canada Arts Presentation Fund
$100,000
$50,000 (2016-17) $50,000 (2017-18)

Contact Information:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
PCH.media-media.PCH@Canada.ca