Improving Access to Creative Space in Kitchener

The Government of Canada supports the Kitchener Public Library

KITCHENER, ON, April 12, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the creation and renovation of cultural spaces to promote better access to heritage and the arts for everyone.

Raj Saini, Member of Parliament (Kitchener Centre), today announced $97,367 in funding for the Kitchener Public Library. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honorable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.

This support, provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, will go toward the upgrade and expansion of the Heffner Studio at the Central Branch of the Kitchener Public Library. The renovated studio will offer several spaces for creation which the public can book free of charge. These include teaching areas, audiovisual studios, sound studios and a maker space.

Quotes

"Our government knows that investments in arts and culture help build vibrant and connected communities. We are proud to support the renovation of the Kitchener Public Library, which will strengthen the local creative scene and make arts and culture more accessible for all area residents."

—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

"Our government's support of the Heffner Studio at the Kitchener Public Library is a welcome investment in the Waterloo Region community. This funding will give local artists, organizations and community members access to state-of-the-art spaces in which to explore and create, and will allow the Kitchener Public Library to continue making a valuable contribution to the digital literacy of our region's residents."

—Raj Saini, Member of Parliament (Kitchener Centre)

"We are delighted to receive generous financial support from the Government of Canada. The funding will allow the Kitchener Public Library to fully develop Heffner Studio, a state-of-the-art digital lab for providing opportunities and training in digital literacy and innovation, as well as live recording studios, mixing rooms, and broadcast/podcast spaces for the creative innovation of storytelling through music, video and podcasting. This cultural hub will be a game-changer for many of our citizens by offering free access to programs, equipment, software and spaces unavailable elsewhere in this community."

— Mary Chevreau, Chief Executive Officer, Kitchener Public Library

Quick Facts

The Heffner Studio is a 3,600-square-foot space dedicated to digital media resources and programming located in the Central Branch of the Kitchener Public Library. Construction is currently under way on its upgraded and expanded facilities.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation, including creative hubs. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.

Budget 2017 proposed to invest $300 million over 10 years to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to help support the development of Canadian talent, and promote entrepreneurship in the arts and cultural communities. These investments across Canada will help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada's rich cultural scene.

Associated Links

Kitchener Public Library

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

SOURCE Canadian Heritage