The arts, culture and language institutions in Atlantic Canada received a big boost from the federal government on Wednesday.
Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage was in Halifax to announce $3.38 million dollars in funding for multiple official-language groups in Atlantic Canada and the Neptune Theatre Foundation.
A total of $2,435,895 will be provided to 26 different organizations throughout Atlantic Canada.
The Neptune Theatre Foundation is getting the largest chunk of change – over the next two years Neptune will receive $945,138.
“Our government really believes in the importance of arts and culture,” Joly said.
“We believe that it plays an important role in bettering our communities, but also it’s part of our economic growth vision because in order to create growth of course, we have to need the right innovation in system and that at the core of this innovation system there are great actors and creators, such as the Neptune Theatre.”
WATCH: Neptune Theatre talks about the production ‘Stag and Doe’ on The Morning News
On top of the funding from the Canadian government, the provincial government also announced Wednesday they would be donating an addition $100,000 to the theatre.
“With an enduring mission to inspire audiences with great stories, Neptune Theatre is now celebrating its 53rd season,” said Premier Stephen McNeil.
“The theatre is part of our cultural fabric in Nova Scotia, and I wish them many more years of success.”
The funding will allow Neptune Theatre to renovate its performance spaces with improved lighting, sound and lift capabilities.
Tony Ince, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage says the investment is good news for people of all ages.
“Young people now will have a greater capacity to probably do some more training, have access to more programs, we can now probably build the capacity to bring more people in,” Ince said.
“Society is really starting to see the value of culture. How important culture is and how important everything that culture brings into our economy.”