PETITE-VALLÉE, QC,
July 24,
2024 /CNW/ - The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister
of Canadian Heritage, and Mathieu
Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister
Responsible for Youth and Minister responsible for the Outaouais
region, are announcing an$18 million grant for the reconstruction
of the Théâtre de la Vieille Forge. This amount includes a
$5.5 million contribution from the
Government of Canada through the
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund program and $13
million from the Government of Quebec through its Capital Assistance
Program.
This funding will help with the reconstruction of the Théâtre de
la Vieille Forge, which was destroyed by fire on August 15, 2017. Since the fire, the Festival en
chanson de Petite-Vallée has been held under a temporary tent. This
reconstruction will modernize the infrastructure to meet the needs
of artists, spectators and the community. This project is essential
to consolidate and preserve professional cultural services in the
Gaspésie region.
It's important to remember that Village en chanson has organized
the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée since 1983 and is one of
the most important song festivals in Quebec. The Festival attracts approximately
15,000 festival-goers each year, showcases emerging artists and
stimulates the local economy.
Quotes
"The Théâtre de la Vieille Forge's reconstruction represents a
strong commitment to cultural vitality in the region. I am proud to
be part of a government that recognizes the Village en chanson and
its festival as an essential contribution to cultural life in the
Gaspésie region and, more broadly, in all of Quebec."
— Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of
Culture and Communications, Minister Responsible for Youth and
Minister responsible for the Outaouais region
"It's an honour for our government to invest in cultural
infrastructure that helps our artists reach local audiences. Even
more so when it comes to rebuilding a place like the Théâtre de la
Vieille Forge, which has long been known for its artistic
gatherings. This theatre is a beacon for Gaspésiennes and for all
those who wish to immerse themselves in Quebec song by the seaside. I wish the Théâtre
de la Vieille Forge a second life full of success. Thank you to the
director and the entire team for their hard work!"
— The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian
Heritage
Related Links
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Capital Assistance Program
Follow the Department on social
media @MCCQuebec.
SOURCE Canadian Heritage