Local arts community gets a $57,100 boost

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

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Orazietti announces $57,100 to support local arts organizations

McGuinty government investments helping to develop creative economy in Sault Ste. Marie

SAULT STE. AMRIE - (June 19) - The McGuinty government is investing $57,100 to support three local arts organizations as part of the province's strategy to help boost the economy through the promotion of creative organizations David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“We recognize that supporting art and artists will help our community attract and retain the talented workers necessary for economic success in the new economy while enhancing the quality of life for all residents,” said Orazietti. “With this investment, our government is helping to enhance the important contributions three local organizations are making toward promoting creative activities in Sault Ste. Marie.”

The provincial government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is supporting the Echoes Drum Festival, the Sault Theatre Workshop and the Art Gallery of Algoma with $57,100 to enhance their organizations’ activities.

The Echoes Drum Festival is receiving $27,600 over six months to hire a co-coordinator who will support the growth of the three-day drum festival currently taking place in Sault Ste. Marie.

“On behalf of the Board of Director’s of the Echoes of the World International Drum Festival, I thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for approving our application for this year’s 7th annual festival. This support is essential to build a strong and vibrant celebration of cultural entertainment in Sault Ste. Marie, featuring performers and drums of the world. With Trillium’s financial support we have the capability to hire a dedicated staff person to organize our June 18 to 20 event at Clergue Park and the Grand Theatre,” said Alice Corbiere, president of the Echoes of the World International Drum Festival.

The Sault Theatre Workshop will receive $15,000 over one year to replace the lighting control console and stage lights to enhance theatrical presentations at the Studio Theatre.

“On behalf of the members of Sault Theatre Workshop, I am thrilled that our grant application was successful. We will now be able to upgrade our lighting equipment to enhance our theatre productions. In addition to being technically advanced, we will now be more energy efficient as well. Our young company can now train on state of the art equipment,” said Harry Houston, president of Sault Theatre Workshop.

The Art Gallery of Algoma is receiving $14,500 over one year to resurface the walls in the exhibition galleries in Sault Ste. Marie, which will provide a clean, fresh and revitalized surface on which to display artwork for public viewing.

“The Art Gallery of Algoma is very pleased to receive $14,500 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation towards the resurfacing of the exhibition spaces. This long overdue renovation will refresh the spaces and allow both exhibiting artists and the public to enjoy the artwork in a distraction free and updated setting. This contribution to Sault Ste. Marie’s public art gallery helps the AGA, through the presentation of art, contribute to a healthy and vibrant community,” said Sherie McKay Gladu, interim director of the AGA.

Other McGuinty government initiatives through the Ontario Trillium Foundation total over $3.5 million dollars and include organizations such as:

- $150,000 Pauline’s Place Non-Profit Homes

- $53,600 SSM Safe Communities Partnership

- $25,000 Voyageur Trail Association

- $35,000 United Way of SSM

- $25,000 2005 National CED Conference

- $77,100 Biz Map Competition

- $98,700 Community Living Algoma

- $18,400 Sault Trails and Recreation

- $68,500 Learning Disabilities Association SSM

- $120,000 Rebound North

- $138,000 Algoma Residential Community Hospice

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province.

OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

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