Canada’s New Government Supports Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Peterborough New Dance and Performance

October 12, 2007

Left to right…Jim Angel, Board Chair - Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, Dean Del Mastro, MP - Peterborough and Bill Kimball, Artistic Producer, Peterborough New Dance

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament (Peterborough), today announced funding for two arts organizations in Peterborough.

Funding of $187,525 will support the initial design phase of the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre’s reconstruction and renovation plans.

Funding of $13,000 will support Peterborough New Dance and Performance’s marketing plan to promote the company’s new mandate to present performances ranging from modern dance to theatre.

“For the past 20 years, the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre has played a vital role in Peterborough’s arts community,” said Minister Verner. “This centre not only gives ample opportunity for local performers to practice their craft by providing a home for groups such as the Kawartha Jazz Society and the Arbor Theatre, it also ensures access to high-quality artistic performances for local audiences. Canada’s New Government is proud to support the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, as it continues to invest in the arts for all members of the Peterborough community.”

“The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre has become a cultural hub for performers in this community,” said Mr. Del Mastro. “I would like to congratulate this dynamic organization on its efforts, year after year, to help stimulate the cultural vitality of our region. Our Government wants to ensure that all Canadians can celebrate the talent of our artists and enjoy the diversity of our culture. Peterborough New Dance and Performance is a fine example of the talented artists who perform at the centre. I applaud the innovation and creativity of this modern dance company, which is a tremendous asset to Peterborough’s cultural profile.”

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank the federal government for supporting the next phase of strategic development of the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. Cultural Spaces Canada funding is a strong vote of confidence in our direction and plans,” said Karen August, Director of Development of the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. “It will enable us to put processes and supports in place to fully involve the community in the redevelopment of the facility, reflect the needs of the community, and ensure alignment with our mission: to develop, nurture, and sustain the performing arts in Peterborough’s historic Market Hall.”

The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre is home to many major arts organizations in Peterborough and is used by more than 40 community groups each year. Not only does the centre produce theatre for young people, it also helps support local and emerging artists.

Peterborough New Dance and Performance is a well-established multidisciplinary presenter of contemporary dance that has recently expanded its repertoire to include theatre. Known for its top-notch local and international programming, this organization is a partner of Native Earth Performing Arts and Trent University.

Canada’s New Government is providing the funding for these organizations through two programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre is receiving support from Cultural Spaces Canada, a program that supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections, heritage displays, and exhibitions. The funding for Peterborough New Dance and Performance is from the Capacity Building component of the Canadian Arts and Sustainability Program, which supports modern management and greater financial stability in arts and heritage organizations.