QUÉBEC, January 25, 2019
Arts presentation venues give Canadians from all walks of life a place to gather. Our government is committed to supporting the construction and renovation of cultural spaces to promote better access to the arts and heritage for everyone.
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, today announced $3.8 million in funding for the Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs, $2 million for Méduse, $150,000 for the Ampli de Québec and $50,000 for La Maison Léon-Provancher. He was accompanied by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, as well as Mr. Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Louis-Hébert).
These financial contributions, made through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will allow thsee four organizations to build facilities that are better suited to their needs.
"Quebec City is a truly world-renowned cultural hub. Our government's investments will help four major Québec organizations host more artists and visitors in modernized spaces. Their clientele will have safe and updated spaces for creating or discovering the works of talented artists in the best possible conditions."
– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"Professional artists from all disciplines abound in Quebec City. I am very pleased that our government recognizes the excellent work of this city's cultural organizations and supports their efforts to better serve our artistic community and Quebec audiences."
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
"Quebec City's arts organizations and heritage institutions must have access to quality infrastructure and equipment to carry out their mission. These investments show that the Government of Canada is committed to promoting artistic creation and knowledge sharing in our region."
– Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Louis-Hébert)
"Les Gros Becs have been dreaming of their nest for more than 30 years. We are very excited that we will soon be able to roost in it! We are working hard to carry out each of the steps toward a new chapter for the organization and for viewers."
– Jean-Philippe Joubert, Executive Director, Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs
"The funds from the Government of Canada to Méduse will be used to complete structural work and major upgrades to the specialized equipment made available to artists by our cooperative's member organizations. Open to many users and visitors, Méduse is a unique and rare place where many Canadian arts and culture professionals and practices converge."
– Caroline Salaün, Executive Director, Méduse
"We are extremely grateful for the Government of Canada's support in soundproofing our spaces. Thanks to Canadian Heritage's outstanding contribution, Ampli will be better able to serve the next generation of Québec musicians by providing professional facilities for them to create in optimal conditions."
– Éric Lefrançois, Executive Director, Ampli de Québec
"We are delighted to receive financial support from Canadian Heritage for updating our permanent exhibit Cap sur la biodiversité. This funding will also make it possible to purchase cutting-edge equipment for our new laboratory, which will specialize in science demonstrations that we will be staging for various audiences beginning in May."
– Nathalie Martimbeau, Executive Director, La Maison Léon-Provancher
Quick facts
Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs is the only organization specializing in youth theatre in Quebec. Since 1987, the organization has contributed to the development of youth theatre in the Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches regions, through the professional presentation of theatre from Quebec and elsewhere, from early childhood to adolescence. Its programming includes a wide array of theatrical forms, including contemporary plays, object theatre, puppet shows and clown arts.
The Théâtre jeunesse Les Gros Becs project includes the purchase, renovation and expansion the Caserne Dalhousie, located in Québec's Lower Town, to make it their permanent presentation venue dedicated to young audiences. As a result of this renovation, the organization will continue its activities in a comfortable space and will be able to safely accommodate larger audiences.
Established in Québec in 1993, Méduse is a solidarity cooperative whose mission is to present and promote professional contemporary art. Each year, the cooperative presents more than 400 activities to 50,000 visitors, including exhibitions, creative residencies and school trips.
The funding will allow Méduse to renovate and upgrade its spaces and purchase modern digital equipment.
Since 2010, the Ampli de Québec aims to support the next generation of musicians in their careers through coaching, training as well as creative and presentation services. The organization's renovation project consists of revamping and soundproofing its spaces so that several activities can take place simultaneously.
La Maison Léon-Provancher is a non-profit organization, founded in 1990, which promotes science and environmental programming to youth and the general public. The organization creates and presents a variety of educational activities and exhibits. La Maison Léon-Provancher will purchase the specialized equipment it needs to refresh its permanent exhibit. In particular, it will be purchasing tables, chemical storage, digital screens and an eyewash station.
