SPRUCE GROVE, Alberta, September 9, 2011 – Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women, and Member of Parliament (Edmonton–Spruce Grove), announced Government of Canada support for Horizon Stage, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
Funding will support Horizon Stage’s 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 performing arts seasons, which will feature artistic presentations in theatre, comedy, dance, folk and popular music, and children’s entertainment. As part of efforts to develop future audiences for the arts, the Horizon Stage will also promote outreach activities including daytime school performances and workshops.
“I’m proud the Government of Canada is investing in important arts and culture spaces across Canada and right here in our community,” said Minister Ambrose. “This investment will not only boost our local economy, but it will also help ensure that Horizon Stage can continue to offer top-notch performances and cultural experiences to audiences in Spruce Grove and Parkland County.”
“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to support first-class cultural venues like Horizon Stage,” said Minister Moore. “By supporting these activities, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage.”
“A recent survey in our municipal district confirmed that half the population utilizes Horizon Stage,” said Lawrie Seligman, Director of Cultural Services, City of Spruce Grove. “Thanks to support from the Government of Canada for programming, audience development and outreach activities, and funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which enabled us to renovate our theatre and modernize our technical assets, Horizon Stage is a significant contributor to our community’s recreational, educational, and social well-being.”
The Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre is operated by the City of Spruce Grove and Parkland County. The 318-seat theatre serves the cultural and recreational needs of the community and provides a variety of performing and visual arts experiences to citizens of Spruce Grove. The facility underwent a technical equipment upgrade in 2009–2010 thanks to support of $125,100 from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of Canadian Heritage.
