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Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – Confederation Centre of the Arts is thrilled to share that the federal and provincial governments have announced a combined investment of more than $47 million towards the Centre’s revitalization of its south pavilion.
Announced by Minister Lawrence MacAulay; MP Sean Casey; MP Heath MacDonald; Premier Dennis King; Minister Ernie Hudson; and the Centre’s Chief Executive Officer Steve Bellamy, this project will create greener spaces for diverse and inclusive programming and learning opportunities, enriching the community and boosting the region’s arts sector.
Additionally, it will pave the way for the establishment of the National Cultural Leadership Institute (NCLI) at Confederation Centre of the Arts – a pioneer initiative in Canada. The NCLI will support the development of new Canadian work, offer training opportunities for professional artists, provide accessible arts classes for the community, facilitate diverse conversations, and expand existing partnerships with Indigenous communities.
“We are grateful to the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island for this historic infrastructure investment into the National Cultural Leadership Institute at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Building on sixty years of artistic excellence, this investment will facilitate significant growth in programming and partnerships through the establishment of an Arts Innovation Hub for the creation of new Canadian work, an Arts Academy for training and leadership development, and the Charlottetown Forum for convening on topics of importance to all Canadians.”
– Steve Bellamy, CEO, Confederation Centre of the Arts
NATIONAL CULTURAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Sixty years after the creation of the Centre, this national historic site is poised for its most significant transformation to date. At the heart of this project is the creation of the National Cultural Leadership Institute at Confederation Centre of the Arts – a first in Canada that will provide three central program areas to the public:
Arts Innovation Hub – will significantly support the growth and development of new Canadian work in theatre, visual arts, and artist residencies, as well as leadership development in partnership with other institutions across the country.
Arts Academy – will actively strengthen the national arts sector as a training ground for artists and arts industry professionals, while building capacity in the Atlantic region, and serving the local community with accessible arts classes for everyone.
Charlottetown Forum – will provide dedicated spaces and events for gathering to discuss issues of importance to all Canadians; it will facilitate a deeper understanding of the many issues facing our country today, and provide the opportunity to learn from one another’s perspectives.
“As this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, we acknowledge its evolution into a hub for Canada’s storytelling through arts and culture. We trust that residents of Charlottetown will celebrate the transformation of the building, thanks to this investment prioritizing energy efficiency in a space where they can thrive and learn.”
– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
This project is necessary to address significant barriers to accessibility and energy efficiency. Working with nationally recognized architectural firm Abbott Brown, the revitalization of Confederation Centre of the Arts will allow for significant growth in programming to better serve the community, economy, tourism, and provide welcoming spaces for underserved communities. The original Brutalist architecture will be updated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and integrate the structure more seamlessly into its surroundings.
“Confederation Centre of the Arts holds tremendous value for Prince Edward Island and the country. This venue is a cornerstone for tourism and culture, attracting thousands of visitors and generating millions in economic spinoff. New spaces offer a larger stage to tell our stories, past, present and future.”
– The Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island
The federal government is contributing a total of $25 million through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and more than $2.3 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) – Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Province of Edward Island is contributing $20 million, and Confederation Centre of the Arts will be contributing $16.5 million through donations.
These investments are for Phase I of the revitalization project at the Centre, with a Phase II planned to focus on the north entries off Grafton Street for Confederation Centre Art Gallery and Sobey Family Theatre.
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Click here to read the announcement from the Government of Canada.
Confederation Centre of the Arts explores the legacy of Confederation and what it means to be Canadian, and hosts positive, inclusive dialogues on where our nation is heading. It’s also Atlantic Canada’s premier destination for music, theatre, art, and much more. It’s more than a venue. It’s where Canada Connects. Click here to learn more.
Media Contact:
Emily McMahon, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
[email protected] | 902-628-6135