Safeguarding Canadian Country Music History

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 29, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The National Music Centre (NMC) will receive funding of $34,000 through the Museums Assistance Program for professional storage space and staff training to care for a recently acquired country music textile collection.

This investment will enable the NMC to improve its collections storage area in order to care for these textiles, including performance outfits from Canadian Music Hall of Fame artists such as Anne Murray, Hank Snow, Gary Buck, Lucille Star, Rita McNeil and Ray Griff. These improvements will result in the enhanced care of the textile collection, improved professional practices by staff, and the preservation of this collection.

Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), announced this support today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• The NMC was officially launched in February 2012; however, the organization has existed in various forms under different names for the last 25 years.
• Since 2009, the NMC has been the home of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame collection, which includes more than 1,300 objects. It is recognized by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) as the official repository for artifacts from artists, broadcasters and industry builders who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• The NMC currently operates in a heritage building in downtown Calgary and houses a significant collection of unique and iconic musical instruments and sound equipment. A new 160,000-square-foot facility in Calgary's East Village is currently under construction and expected to be complete in 2016.
• The Museums Assistance Program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

Quotes

"Our museums hold the key to sharing our culture and heritage, and at the heart of this is ensuring that our collections are stored and handled with care and safety. The history these artifacts hold is irreplaceable. Our Government is pleased to partner with organizations like the National Music Centre that play an important role in preserving unique stories."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"The sequined blouse that Anne Murray wore on-stage to sing songs like 'Snowbird' is an important piece of Canadian music history. Music and memories connect all Canadians, and by preserving and showcasing these tangible treasures, the National Music Centre provides an important link to the rich musical heritage of our country. Being able to see stage costumes that belonged to some of Canada's greatest music icons brought back many music memories for me. The National Music Centre is committed to preserving and sharing our rich musical heritage, and through artifacts like Anne Murray's blouse, they keep our past alive and inspire a new generation of music lovers."

-Joan Crockatt, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre)

"The support received from the Museums Assistance Program grows our capacity to preserve and exhibit costumes from some of Canada's most prolific and celebrated artists. Together with Canadian Heritage, we are proud to be saving and sharing these artifacts and the stories they tell."

-Jesse Moffatt, Manager, Collections and Artifact Care, National Music Centre

Associated Links

National Music Centre

Museums Assistance Program

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