News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Provincial, federal and municipal investments totalling more than $1.45 million will allow for an expansion of Fredericton’s Charlotte Street Arts Centre. The renovations will allow for increased accessibility and enhanced programming at the historic building.

“New Brunswickers want their government to make investments to help the economy,” said Families and Children Minister Stephen Horsman. “They also want us to make investments that will improve their quality of life, including this investment for the Charlotte Streets Arts Centre, which will allow it to make a larger impact on the Fredericton community.”

Horsman spoke on behalf of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

“I am delighted that the federal government is contributing to the continued success of the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, a vital hub for artists, arts and culture organizations, and other community groups,” said Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey. “These new upgrades will provide an amazing cultural space for creators, audiences and organizations that promote the arts.”

DeCourcey attended for Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly.

The provincial government is providing $375,000 for the project. The federal government is investing $826,075 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The City of Fredericton is contributing $250,000.

“The City of Fredericton is pleased to help fund improvements to the Charlotte Street Arts Centre that will make the building fully accessible and more usable for rental clients,” said Mayor Mike O’Brien. “One of our key priorities as a city council is to support investments in culture assets intended to make Fredericton a more livable community, and this project certainly fits that bill.”

Improvements resulting from this funding will include installation of an elevator and accessible washroom, a new wing with additional artist workspaces, a new backstage area, a kiln room, an enhanced box office and lobby, a community room, a professional sound system and additional lighting equipment.

“The Charlotte Street Arts Centre is thrilled to be working alongside the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Regional Development Corporation and the City of Fredericton as we embark on our Accessibility Expansion Project,” said Nora Kelly, president of the centre. “This funding will allow us to better connect Frederictonians to the dynamic and diverse cultural fabric of the community through arts engagement. This tremendous support from all levels of government will ensure that the arts in our community are inclusive and accessible to everybody.”