Arts Stabilization Funds for Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada

January 10th, 2008

Moncton, New Brunswick CANADA: Anne Bertrand, Chair of the New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts, was in Moncton this morning to present the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada with a $125,000 commitment, as part of the New Brunswick Arts and Heritage Stabilization Program. This program will support the Ballet’s initiative to implement a working capital reserve and to pursue market/audience development strategies in support of new export markets.

“The New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts is investing to help build a healthy and dynamic infrastructure and to preserve a rich mix of artistic and cultural expression for New Brunswick,” said Ms. Bertrand. “Today’s announcement recognizes Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada's ambitious plans in this area, and provides support for measurable progress that benefits arts and culture.”

Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada Founder and Chief Executive Officer Susan Chalmers-Gauvin, is delighted with this announcement and what it will mean for the organization and the province. “This new stabilization funding will help the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada to continue to build its reputation as a high standard company with a unique artistic vision. Our Company creates and presents original new-to-market ballet-theatre productions that combine dynamic choreography with a strong story line," she said. "We are focused on export development as a strategic growth initiative. Creative thinking and the Company’s original approach to ballet differentiates Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada within the international marketplace. Thanks to our many supporters, Atlantic Canada is home to a six-year old professional ballet company which promotes, strengthens and creates employment in the arts and contributes to the development of professional dance in Canada. This is a good example of what we can do, working together, to ensure that we will continue to enjoy and to develop arts in the province and Atlantic Canada,” she explained.

Established in 1992, the New Brunswick Foundation for the Arts is a public charitable foundation created to encourage and promote the artistic and cultural life of New Brunswick. The Foundation's funding under the Arts and Heritage Stabilization Program supports projects that will enrich communities while helping the province to build on its proud heritage. Funding helps organizations to develop strategic and financial planning that will provide real results.

The New Brunswick Arts and Heritage Stabilization Program is supported by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Foundation and generous donations from the private sector. The resources for the Arts and Heritage Stabilization Program consist of 1.7 million dollars.

Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada will use a portion of the stabilization funding to move forward with marketing strategies that will bring increased revenue and expand audiences at local, regional, national and international levels. From January through March 2008, the Company will tour to Atlantic Canada, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, France and Belgium. A new original production "King Lear" will have its world premiere in October, 2008.

Photo caption: New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham greets dancer Kosta Voynov as Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy looks on. The premier recently stopped by for a short tour of the company’s new headquarters located in Moncton’s historic old YMCA building.

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