The Government of Canada
supports four cultural organizations in P.E.I. with $590,000 in funding
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE , July 5, 2024
/CNW/ - Communities thrive when artists and audiences can gather in
vibrant cultural spaces. These places serve as hubs of creativity,
discovery and collaboration. They welcome all to take part in
performances, exhibits, music, film and more.
Prince Edward Island has a
dynamic arts scene—making it a destination for tourists, performers
and locals alike. The island is rich in local organizations that
support the delivery of workshops, mentoring and activities that
inspire people from all walks of life. Cultural spaces require
maintenance, upgrades and new equipment to remain engaging and
relevant for artists and audiences.
Today, Sean Casey, Member of
Parliament (Charlottetown),
announced that $590,000 from the
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund has been awarded to four organizations
on Prince Edward Island. Mr. Casey
made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge,
Minister of Canadian Heritage, during a visit to one of the funding
recipients, FilmPEI in Charlottetown.
FilmPEI is receiving $20,000 for
facility and electrical upgrades and the acquisition of specialized
equipment, including physical and digital storage spaces. These
improvements will enable the organization to better serve its
members with updated technology, enhanced information management
and improved studio capacity. Throughout the renovations, the
organization will continue to operate at its full capacity while
attracting new artists and users, including people from diverse and
underserved populations.
The other organizations receiving funding are the Confederation
Centre for the Arts ($350,000), the
Under the Spire Music Festival ($200,000) and the P.E.I. Arts Guild ($20,000).
Quotes
"Prince Edward Island is a
vibrant hub of cultural activity on the East Coast, with talented
performers and events throughout the year. Organizations like
FilmPEI create the conditions for aspiring artists and filmmakers
to hone their skills, collaborate and get the exposure they need to
succeed. With this funding, this cultural space will reach new and
diverse audiences, create more filmmaking opportunities and support
the film sector across Prince Edward
Island and beyond."
—The Honorable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Prince Edward Island's culture
comes from our history, our geography and our people. Our vibrant
arts and cultural sector encourages local producers and filmmakers,
setting them up for success in whatever they do. We are grateful
for groups like FilmPEI that work to include diverse and new
voices in this growing industry."
—Sean Casey, Member of Parliament (Charlottetown)
"Canada Cultural Spaces Funding through Canadian Heritage has
allowed FilmPEI to streamline its processes for our employees
and better serve our members. We are grateful for the support that
has allowed our organization to grow and support those in the film
industry on Prince Edward
Island."
—Rob Riselli, Executive Director, FilmPEI
Quick Facts
FilmPEI, formerly known as the Island Media Arts Co-operative
Limited, was established in 1978 in Charlottetown. It is a non-profit,
artist-driven organization dedicated to supporting media artists.
It offers a space for skill development and idea exchange, and
provides resources for independent production, dissemination and
presentation. With over 200 members, the co-operative is a key
institution in the local media arts community, offering mentorship
and access to essential equipment and post-production
facilities.
In 2018, FilmPEI expanded to become P.E.I.'s first
interdisciplinary media arts cultural centre, relocating to a
larger space equipped with a production studio, sound stage,
editing suites, event space and removable seating. This new
facility, three times larger than the previous one, serves as a
central hub for training, production, workshops, rehearsals and
exhibitions for the independent media arts and wider cultural
sector in P.E.I.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of
physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative
innovation. The Fund supports renovation and construction projects,
the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies
related to cultural spaces.
Associated Links
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
FilmPEI
SOURCE Canadian Heritage