CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The arts on P.E.I. received a financial boost from Ottawa on Wednesday.
Charlottetown MP Sean Casey announced an extra $1 million for the Confederation Centre of the Arts over the next two years.
The additional money will supplement the $6 million in funding for the Centre announced in the federal budget.
The Aug. 7 announcement in Charlottetown brings the government support of the centre to $7 million.
Another bundle of funds, more than $700,000, will be used by 42 organizations that host festivals and cultural events on the Island next year.
This funding will support arts and heritage celebrations and promotional projects for residents throughout the province.
For more than 50 years, the Confederation Centre of the Arts has been a gathering place and creative forum celebrating Canada's history and many cultures through the visual and performing arts.
"This funding is critical for enabling us to continue offering arts, heritage, and education programs, which affect communities locally and nationally,” said Steve Bellamy, CEO of the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
“As the national memorial to the founding of Canada, the Confederation Centre brings regional artists to the national stage, and national artists to the region. We are proud to play a significant role in the growth of culture, tourism and the economy."
The arts have a major impact in P.E.I. and make a significant contribution to the vitality of the province by promoting tourism and boosting economic growth.
This additional funding will strengthen the cultural and creative industries, help Canadians celebrate diversity and promote greater inclusiveness. This investment will help meet current and growing needs, particularly in less affluent regions.
Further details will be announced in the near future.
