September 12, 2020 - Chester, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Cherished cultural spaces enrich the lives of audience members and benefit Canada's talented artists and creative industry professionals. For more than 80 years, Nova Scotia's Chester Playhouse has been an important venue for performing arts presentations and community events, as well as a source of civic pride.
This month, the Chester Theatre Council Society will begin upgrading and restoring the historical building. The renovations include reconfiguring the interior to make it more accessible, improved backstage and technical services, including sound and lighting, as well as making environmental, structural and safety improvements. This support will position the Playhouse for success as a year-round performance venue with expanded programming.
Investments in infrastructure improve theatre experience
The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margarets, today announced two Government of Canada non-repayable contributions totalling $593,000 to the Chester Theatre Council Society to support the upgrades and restorations. Minister Jordan made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Province of Nova Scotia is also contributing $110,000 toward to the project while the Municipality of the District of Chester is investing $100,000. The Playhouse will increase its programming capacity and its revenue, create economic spin-offs for partners and local businesses in addition to improving the experience for artists and audiences alike.
The Government of Canada is making smart investments to help Atlantic Canadian communities access the tools they need to create sustainable economic growth. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is helping communities strengthen their infrastructure so they can continue to thrive long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
Quotes
"Chester Playhouse is a beloved local landmark that has been at the heart of this community for more than 80 years. Our government is proud to help fund the necessary repairs and renovations so that this structure can continue to provide cultural programming and economic opportunities. Together, we're ensuring that this beautiful piece of our heritage will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come."
- The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
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"Helping improve physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation is essential, especially during these difficult times. I'm delighted that our government can support the Chester Playhouse by making it even more accessible and by recognizing the important role it plays in the community by showcasing the great work of artists."
- The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
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"Chester Playhouse has a decades-long history as an important arts and culture hub on the South Shore. We are pleased to support this project, led by the Chester Theatre Council Society, which will not only revitalize its physical space, but also improve accessibility so even more Nova Scotians can enjoy their great shows."
- Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, Province of Nova Scotia
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"The Chester Playhouse is a cornerstone in the Municipality of Chester, and one of the best examples of success in our region. This project will do more than improve accessibility and overall patron experience, it will elevate the Playhouse's reputation as a player on the world's stage. If we can assist in the facilitation of that through direct investment, we are excited to do so."
- Danielle Barkhouse, Councillor, District 3, Municipality of Chester
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"The Chester Playhouse is thrilled beyond words to have received such significant support from all levels of government and several generous donors in this community for this restoration project. Now we can ensure our 80-year old building is able to take us through to the next century safely and efficiently with state-of-the art technical capacity and patron comfort. The horizon of June 2021 looks bright!"
- Liz Crocker, Co-Chair, Board of Directors, Chester Playhouse Society
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Quick facts
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The 176-seat Chester Playhouse was built in 1938 and originally operated as a movie house. It presents a variety of professional music and theatre performances, films, and community events, and activities for families and youth, including a Summer Theatre School, after school programs and targeted family presentations.
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The restored playhouse is expected to open in June 2021
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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is contributing $250,000 through its Innovative Communities Fund, which supports not-for-profits and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance economic output, facilities and experiences.
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Canadian Heritage is investing $343,000 through its Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation.
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The Province of Nova Scotia is investing $100,000 through the Recreation Facility Grant and $10,000 through the Community Accessibility Program, both through the Department of Communities Culture and Heritage.
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A community campaign is underway to generate the balance of required funding.
