Minister Glover Announces Funding for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet

WINNIPEG, Nov. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding that will assist the Royal Winnipeg Ballet with building renovations and upgrades.

"Today's investment will ensure the Royal Winnipeg Ballet has access to a high-quality facility where they can continue to create and present top-notch performances," said Minister Glover. "Our Government is pleased to invest in this project, which will help ensure that professional dance continues to be accessible and flourish in Winnipeg, and indeed throughout Canada."

This funding will allow the Royal Winnipeg Ballet to renovate its 25-year old main building. The two-year project will include:

• expanding the performance/rehearsal theatre and installing new seating
• installing a new stairway to the second floor
• renovating the box office and reception area
• replacing the roof and the carpet in public areas
• upgrading the audio-visual systems and the lighting in the studios, and
• adding a wheelchair ramp as well as automatic door openers

"Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet sincerely appreciates the support from the Government of Canada," said Jeff Herd, Executive Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. "Our building is used by our Company and thousands of students from our Recreational School and our Professional Division. This support will help us revitalize our facilities and aid in the creation of outstanding dance and outstanding students!"

In 2014, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet will celebrate its 75^th anniversary. Since 1939, this ballet company has performed in Winnipeg, across Canada and throughout the world, and has received numerous international awards. Its School Professional Division has been operating for more than 40 years, training artists for careers in dance.

The Government of Canada is providing funding of $1,008,800 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentations or exhibitions. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage