Cultural spaces play a vital role in fostering creativity and supporting a diverse and inclusive arts sector. The Government of Canada supports the vitality of arts venues by investing in cultural infrastructure projects that ensure artists can create, collaborate and share their work with audiences in Canada and beyond.
Today, the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament (Vancouver Centre), announced $2 million for the Dance Foundation to purchase The Dance Centre in the heart of downtown Vancouver. She made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. They were both present for a special media event at The Dance Centre, where details of this investment were shared.
The support from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will allow the Dance Foundation to purchase the building it has leased since 2001. The purpose-built, 32,000-square-foot facility includes 6 custom-designed studios, a 154-seat production studio theatre, and a range of administrative and meeting spaces. The Dance Centre supports more than 40 dance organizations and provides space for 15 cultural tenants.
With this acquisition, The Dance Centre can move forward with confidence, ensuring long-term stability for its operations and uninterrupted access to vital spaces for the dance community. The organization facilitates more than 87,000 visits through performances, programming, festivals and community initiatives.
