August 29, 2008

NEWS

Ontario is helping the Tweed and Area Arts Council and its partners create a new community arts centre in Tweed.

The province is investing $42,252 to renovate the Actinolite United Church to convert it into an arts centre. When finished, the centre will house a theatre and performance space, a studio and workshop space, and a gallery that will be available for use by local and regional artists. In addition, the project aims to provide local youth with the opportunity to participate in all of the arts disciplines and learn the skills necessary for future involvement in the arts as amateurs or professionals.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:
• Improved access to health care services
• Revitalized communities and downtowns
• Enhanced skills training.

QUOTES

"I congratulate the Tweed and Area Arts Council on its initiative to provide local artists with access to much needed studio and workshop space," said Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Leona Dombrowsky. "This new community arts centre will become a cultural centerpiece for a revitalized Tweed."

"Thanks to the support of the Ontario government, the construction of a renovated community arts centre will become a reality," said Tweed and Area Arts Council Chair Roely DeVries. "When opened, the centre will be the new home for performing, visual and literary arts in Tweed." (TBC)

QUICK FACTS

" Since 2003, Ontario has invested $59.6 million in 182 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about the Tweed and Area Arts Council.

Learn more about how Ontario is helping the Arts.

For more information contact:
Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342