As one of Atlantic Canada's most beautiful historic performance venues, the Imperial Theatre has been delighting audiences with a range of diverse and quality shows for many years. It is an important driving force behind the cultural vitality of the city of Saint John and beyond.
Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament (Saint John-Rothesay), announced funding of $258,343 to support programming and renovations to the Imperial Theatre. Mr. Long made this announcement of behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
This funding will allow the Imperial Theatre to continue high-quality programming, including the annual multi-disciplinary performing arts series. Outreach activities-including workshops, school visits and artist talks-will ensure that everyone can take part and enjoy the arts in their community. Funding will also allow for venue improvements including new front doors, a theatre stage cloth, renovated gender-neutral washrooms and the purchase of a small boom lift. These upgrades will provide an inclusive space and an enriched experience for all.
Through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, Canadian Heritage is contributing $170,000 to the theatre's programming for the 2022 to 2025 seasons. ACOA is providing $88,343 through its Innovative Communities Fund for the renovations.
In addition to funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick has provided $70,000 from the Regional Development Corporation.
