Government of Canada Invests in Prairie Theatre Exchange Renovation and Modernization Project

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Jan. 13, 2011) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament (Provencher), today announced funding for the Prairie Theatre Exchange.

This funding will support the renovation and modernization of the Prairie Theatre Exchange's facilities, including its two theatres, rehearsal hall, and drama studios. The space will be reconfigured to add a new lounge/intimate performance space and a workspace/library for playwrights. Other spaces will also be refurbished in order to promote artistic creation, production, and presentation. Thanks to this project, those with mobility challenges will enjoy greater accessibility, and visitors will have more opportunities to experience local creations.

"Our Government recognizes that arts and culture are massive generators of economic growth, jobs, and wealth in our communities," said Minister Moore. "That is why we continue to invest in organizations and projects that will contribute to the stability and growth of this sector and the cultural vitality of communities across Canada."

"Prairie Theatre Exchange has earned an excellent reputation for presenting quality productions and is well respected by Canadian theatre artists," said Minister Toews. "We are proud to support a project that will ensure that this cultural institution can thrive for years to come."

"Thank you to the Government of Canada for this very generous contribution toward our capital campaign; it will help us realize vital improvements to Prairie Theatre Exchange," said Wendy J. Miller, President of Prairie Theatre Exchange. "This support gives us the foundation and momentum to move our project forward and to see it come to fruition over the next two years. We are truly grateful."

Prairie Theatre Exchange is a professional theatre company whose mandate emphasizes the production of works, often new, with a focus on Manitoban and Canadian artists. Annually, it presents a season of five adult plays, one Theatre for Young Audiences play, and the Carol Shields Festival of New Works. The Theatre for Young People Touring Program, which performs in elementary schools and other community settings throughout the province, reaches more than 17,000 Manitobans per year.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $734,510 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve 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.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)