Supporting the Performing Arts in Nova Scotia

CHESTER, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - March 19, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's), on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced that the Chester Theatre Council Society is benefiting from a boost of $28,098 to its fundraising efforts through the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation.

The Government of Canada is providing this funding to the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation to manage and invest on behalf of the Chester Theatre Council Society through the Endowment Incentives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages Canadians to donate to professional arts organizations.

Quick Facts

• The building now known as the Chester Playhouse was purchased by Sir Christopher Ondaatje in 1987 and donated to the Chester Theatre Council Society in 1992. It was originally a movie theatre but now showcases a variety of performing arts.
  
• The mission of the Chester Theatre Council Society is to foster, promote, encourage and develop the performing arts and to maintain a community arts facility in Chester.
  
• With this latest grant, the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation has received a total of $163,265 in grants over the life of the program, matching $205,393 in private-sector donations to the endowment fund to benefit the Chester Theatre Council Society.
  
• Since 2006-2007, the Endowment Incentives component has provided more than $151 million to various endowment funds in Canada, while the private sector has provided $204 million, for a total of over $355 million.
  
• This year, the Government of Canada is matching 97 cents for every dollar donated by the private sector through the Endowment Incentives component.
  

Quotes

"Performing arts play a vital role in ensuring the cultural and economic vitality of our communities. Our investment supports the Chester Theatre Council Society's philanthropic efforts while benefiting the residents of Chester."

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

"We are pleased to contribute to the success of the Chester Theatre Council Society in showcasing performing arts in Nova Scotia. Today's announcement demonstrates how serious we are in supporting organizations that enrich their community's cultural life and strengthen its economy."

-Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore-St. Margaret's)

"The Foundation is extremely grateful for the matching grant program operated by Canadian Heritage. It provides added incentive for our donors and helps us reach our financial goals earlier."

-Robin Gilbert, President, Sir Christopher Ondaatje Theatre Foundation

Associated Links

Canada Cultural Investment Fund

Chester Playhouse

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