Government of Canada Supports Fredericton Playhouse

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - March 25, 2008) -Audiences in New Brunswick will have improved access to artisticexperiences thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament (Tobique-Mactaquac), todayannounced funding for the Fredericton Playhouse, on behalf of theHonourable Josee Verner, Minster of Canadian Heritage, Status ofWomen and Official Languages.

Funding of $44,138 will allow the Fredericton Playhouse topurchase and install new equipment, which will improve physicalconditions for artistic creativity and presentation and, through thePlayhouse's outreach programs, increase access for Canadians to theperforming arts.

"State-of-the-art equipment will increase the artistic potentialof the Fredericton Playhouse and enhance the quality of theexperience for varied audience," said Minister Verner. "We arepleased to provide support to one of New Brunswick's longstandingperformance venues where audiences have been enjoying a variety ofperforming arts for more than four decades."

"The Fredericton Playhouse has a prominent place in the city'scultural legacy," said Mr. Allen. "I am delighted that theGovernment of Canada has recognized this and has invested in NewBrunswick's rich culture."

"The Fredericton Playhouse is thrilled that the Government ofCanada recognizes the importance of the arts in our community bycontributing to our technical capacity," said Tim Yerxa, ExecutiveDirector of the Fredericton Playhouse. "With this contribution, thePlayhouse will be able to advance our technical productioncapabilities so that local and touring artists and companies canoffer the best possible artistic experiences to our audiences."

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through theCultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of CanadianHeritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditionsfor artistic creativity and presentation or exhibition. It isdesigned to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual,and media arts, as well as to museum collections and heritageexhibitions.

This news release is available on the Internet atwww.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.