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Federal Funding Announced to Retrofit Imperial Theatre

SAINT JOHN, January 17, 2009 - Imperial Theatre will continue to create an environment where artists can delight audiences with high-quality theatrical performances, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced funding to assist Imperial Theatre with the presentation of its programming and the retrofit of the exterior stage house.

"This support for Imperial Theatre is a great example of our Government's commitment to helping organizations that contribute to the cultural vitality and quality of life of their community," said Minister Moore. "By investing in facilities like Imperial Theatre, the Government of Canada is helping preserve our architectural heritage while providing a venue where performing artists can express their creativity."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $330,000 through the Cultural Spaces program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

"Imperial Theatre is delighted to receive this contribution towards the very necessary repairs to our building," said Peter D. Smith, General Manager of Imperial Theatre. "It is obvious that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Imperial Theatre to the lives of the people of greater Saint John and we are most grateful for this assistance."

A National Historic Site which operated from 1913 to 1957, Imperial Theatre was restored and re-opened in 1994. It is the premier performance venue in Saint John and provides a wide range of programming. Its stage house will undergo a major restoration project to correct a water penetration problem. The stage house is the enclosure that forms an integral part of the theatre's existing structure.

Part of the resources needed for this $1-million project will come from Imperial Theatre's Keep IT Live Capital Campaign, launched on June 17, 2008, and by November raised $1.5 million of its $2.5-million fundraising goal.

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