The Government of Canada is providing Arts Umbrella with $7 million through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, the largest single investment in British Columbia in the history of the program

VANCOUVER, March 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced $7 million in funding for Arts Umbrella to renovate the south building on the former site of the Emily Carr University of Art + Design at Granville Island. This is the largest single investment in British Columbia in the history of the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund program.

This support will allow Arts Umbrella to upgrade the facility to meet its programming needs, accommodate the more than 20,000 young people enrolled in its programs, and attract new students and learners. The renovated building will house seven dance studios, four theatre and music studios, eight visual and media arts studios, and a performance theatre space. The new theatre space will also allow Arts Umbrella to facilitate partnerships with Ballet BC, the Vancouver International Children's Festival and Awkward Stage Productions.

The expansion will nearly quadruple Arts Umbrella's current footprint, from 14,000 to 50,000 square feet.

Since its opening in 1979, Arts Umbrella has been an anchor in the Granville Island arts community. A new, upgraded building will not only enhance the organization's capacity to expand its enrolment and attract larger audiences for future exhibitions and performances, but also provide a unique place for Canada's next generation of artists, performers and creators to learn and grow. Their confidence and vision will help create a more positive and inclusive future for their communities and the country.

Funding for this project has been provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, the Government of Canada's cultural infrastructure program.

Quotes

"By introducing children to artistic and cultural learning activities at an early age, we can help them develop a passion for the arts and instill a sense of self-confidence that will stay with them throughout their lives. For close to 40 years, Arts Umbrella has worked with students of all backgrounds to develop their creativity, find their voice and envision a more positive future for themselves and their communities. Our government is proud to support the next phase of Arts Umbrella's growth as it moves to its new space, so that it can continue to inspire students for generations to come."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"I'm excited that thousands of young people will gain creative skills, abilities and inspiration in this new facility for Arts Umbrella. We are glad to partner with the federal government to support this expansion and help strengthen the future of British Columbia's creative economy. This new facility means many more British Columbian kids will benefit from the terrific training which Arts Umbrella provides."

- The Honourable Lisa Beare, British Columbia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

"Today is a great day for all artists and students in Vancouver. Thanks to financial support from all levels of government, Arts Umbrella's current building will be transformed into a new creative hub at the heart of Granville Island. With thousands of students enrolled in its programs, Arts Umbrella brings together youth from all different backgrounds and neighbourhoods in Vancouver to explore a shared love for the arts."

- His Worship Gregor Robertson, Mayor, City of Vancouver

"Arts Umbrella is constantly pushing boundaries. This new building will allow us to keep this forward momentum and provide young people with limitless opportunities. We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and our extraordinary lead donors for their generosity in investing in the next generations of young people in our country."

- Paul Larocque, President and CEO, Children's Arts Umbrella Association

Quick Facts

• Founded in 1979, the Children's Arts Umbrella Association (Arts Umbrella) is a not-for-profit arts education centre for children and youth aged 2 to 21, located on Granville Island in Vancouver. It provides high-quality arts education in dance, theatre, music, visual arts and digital arts.
• Arts Umbrella reaches over 20,000 young people annually through classes and outreach programs, with innovative instruction provided by 122 instructors and arts educators.
• Arts Umbrella is committed to delivering arts education to youth, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances. More than 9,000 children access programs annually free of charge or at a reduced rate through outreach programs and bursaries.
• The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, as well as the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment.

Associated Links

• Arts Umbrella
• Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
• Granville Island 

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

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