SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The New Brunswick Museum has received an increase of $300,000 in operational funding as part of Creative Futures – A Renewed Cultural Policy for New Brunswick.

In addition to the funding, a request for proposals will be issued later this month for the construction or renovation of the museum’s Exhibition Centre in the waterfront area of uptown Saint John.

The current centre is no longer able to serve the needs of the collections and visiting public, therefore, an improved venue needs to be developed. The request for proposals will be open to developers until Nov. 30.  After the deadline, the proposals will be evaluated and the contract awarded.

“The increased operational funding will help the museum deliver on its important mandate by offering increased and diverse programming and services,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Trevor Holder. “The future of the museum is very important to our government and we are confident an improved venue for the centre will be found.”

As part of Creative Futures – A Renewed Cultural Policy for New Brunswick, the provincial government will direct an additional $1.3 million in funding to five key cultural institutions. The policy is the result of a multi-year renewal process that focused on the four areas of action identified in the 2002 policy:

  • culture’s role in our everyday lives, including education, access to culture and cultural awareness;
  • the role of artists, arts organizations and arts infrastructure in creating a vibrant cultural sector;
  • conserving our collective heritage and ensuring quality design and planning; and
  • the role of culture in economic development.

“The New Brunswick Museum conserves our heritage assets and shares it with the world. It contributes to how we explain and showcase who we are as New Brunswickers,” said Holder. “Increased operational funding and securing an improved venue for the centre underscores our pride in our collective heritage and our commitment to ensuring it’s preserved for future generations.”

LINK:

Creative Futures – A Renewed Cultural Policy for New Brunswick

 

11-07-14