Cultural spaces that host music, plays and performances are vital to the fabric of our communities. They serve as hubs for creativity, connection and expression while also being showcasing diverse voices and stories. These spaces promote inclusion and pride, bringing people together to experience the arts.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament (Cardigan), announced a $210,000 investment in the Souris Show Hall, one of the oldest operating theatres in Prince Edward Island. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Built in 1890, the hall is a venue for music, theatre, dance as well as film from regional and national artists, with a strong focus on Indigenous, Acadian and Celtic heritage. The 145-seat theatre hosted 30 presentations in its last year of programming. It attracts more than 2,000 patrons annually.
This funding will allow for much-needed improvements to the 130-year-old building, including rehabilitating the foundation and better insulation to reduce the venue's carbon footprint, allowing it to operate more efficiently in the winter. These repairs will ensure the building meets industry standards and will increase its capacity to better serve and attract new artists, users and patrons. Additionally, it will allow for a more diverse range of programming.
Canadian Heritage will provide $110,000 from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is contributing $100,000 through the Innovative Communities Fund. The Province of Prince Edward Island is also contributing $100,000 to the project.
