Government Of Canada invests in Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada

January 22nd, 2008

MONCTON NB CANADA – The Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada (ABTC) is expanding its international markets thanks to an investment totaling close to $585,000 from the Government of Canada. The funding announcement, which comes just days before the Company premieres one of its most popular productions in Europe, was made today by Rob Moore, MP for Fundy-Royal.

The Government of Canada is investing $543,689 through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), and $41,800 through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

“The Government of Canada recognizes artistic productions are a cultural and economic asset for Moncton and the region,” said MP Moore, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Our government’s investment of almost $600,000 will help the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada continue its journey to develop into a world-class ballet company with high artistic and production standards.”

“The funding will greatly assist the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada in expanding our markets in the United States and Europe,” said Susan Chalmers Gauvin, Founder and CEO of Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada. “Both markets are highly lucrative and also highly competitive. Product quality and market support are essential for success. The funding supports our business development strategy and will assist our Company in achieving its economic objectives.”

ABTC will present PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, an original ballet choreographed by Company Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy and set on the music of Francis Poulenc, in Belgium and France. The tour will help ABTC generate greater international interest and increased touring revenues.

“As with other sectors, whether it be technology or manufacturing, we need a significant investment in these early years of development in order to compete and to grow our earned revenues. The funds from ACOA and Foreign Affairs help us to be more competitive,” said Ms. Chalmers-Gauvin.

The Company CEO credited ACOA funds, in particular, with assisting Atlantic Ballet Theatre in creating high-end productions.. She singled out in the ABTC’s newest ballet DON JUAN as a case-in-point. “The higher quality of our productions allows us to compete with larger more established organizations from around the world--- and to achieve our economic objectives,” she explained.

Ms. Chalmers-Gauvin went on to point out another significant aspect to today’s announcement -- the recognition of arts and culture as a valuable contributor to the New Brunswick and Atlantic Canadian economy.

“According to the Department of Canadian Heritage, the arts and culture sector is the fastest-growing employer in the Canadian economy, worth $22.4 billion in jobs,” she said. “In the Province of New Brunswick the impact is also significant. The 2005 Study conducted by ACOA, The Culture Sector in Atlantic Canada found that:
• the culture sector is responsible for over 10,000 jobs in the Province of New Brunswick – this is direct employment;
• between 1996-2002 the culture sector contribution to the economy of New Brunswick increased by 37%;
• in New Brunswick, direct economic impact of the culture sector in 2002 amounted to $604million or 2.85 percent of the GDP.
These numbers are significant and represent a positive economic return on investment.”

Based in Moncton New Brunswick CANADA, Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada was established in 2001 under the artistic direction and choreographic vision of Igor Dobrovolskiy. The company of 11 dancers has earned an international reputation for high production values and outstanding performances which engage audiences of every age. Its repertory is entirely choreographed by Mr. Dobrovolskiy and includes a diverse collection of original full-length narrative ballets that explore contemporary themes within the classical genre.

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