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The Confederation Centre of the Arts is a unique institution that showcases both performing and visual arts and also stands as a national memorial to the Fathers of Confederation. Opened in 1964, this structure commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference, the first meeting of Canada’s founding fathers.

Today, dignitaries gathered to announce funding for innovative upgrades to the Centre. The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency); the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans; and the Honourable Robert Henderson, PEI Minister of Tourism and Culture, joined Confederation Centre staff and representatives from the Fathers of Confederation Building Trust to outline the project details.

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada is supporting this project with a $3,500,000 contribution towards equipment and infrastructure upgrades. Canadian Heritage through its Canada Cultural Spaces Fund will provide $2,000,000, and ACOA will invest $1,500,000 through its Innovative Communities Fund.

• The Province of Prince Edward Island will contribute $1,500,000 towards this project with funding coming from the Department of Tourism and Culture.

• Funding for this phase will be focused on infrastructure upgrades to the main stage and backstage which will include the purchase and installation of a new theatrical rigging system, new stage flooring and trap door; equipment storage and loading docks; an improved proscenium open area; new theatrical lighting; a technical grid; and electrical service upgrades with proper UPS and generator backup.

• This project represents the final phase of a 2-phase initiative that began in 2012.

• The Fathers of Confederation Building Trust is a non-profit corporation with a national mandate and a nationally constituted Board of Trustees. The entity was established as a federal and provincial initiative to operate the Centre. The Centre continues to hold a mandate to inspire Canadians to celebrate, through heritage and the arts, the origins and evolution of Canada as a nation.

• The theatre is home to perennial favourite, “Anne of Green Gables – The Musical,™” which is the world’s longest-running annual production celebrating its 51st successive season in 2015.

Quotes:

“The Confederation Centre of the Arts is a part of our national history; the structure commemorates the Charlottetown Conference which took place 150 years ago and led to the creation of the best nation in the world. Our Government is pleased to support this project which will enhance the great performances at the Centre, while providing lasting infrastructure that will benefit Islanders for years to come.”

The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

“These much needed upgrades to the main stage at the Confederation Centre of the Arts will bring the theatre up to today’s technical standards and will improve the experience for the audience and for performers. It is only fitting that these upgrades are taking place as the Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary. It is an incredibly important Canadian cultural institution and we are proud to be able to provide ongoing support, as well as funding for much needed renovations.”

The Honourable Robert Henderson, Minister of Tourism and Culture

“The public reaction to Phase 1 of the theatre enhancements has been universally positive. The improvements undertaken in this next phase will further enrich the overall experience of our patrons, and ensure that Confederation Centre’s theatre is well positioned to continue to deliver top-class performances for the next 50 years.”

Ms. Jessie Inman, Chief Executive Officer, Confederation Centre of the Arts

Associated Links:

• www.confederationcentre.com

• Canada Cultural Spaces Fund