WHITEHORSE - The Government of Yukon is committed to arts and culture in the Yukon and is continuing to demonstrate that commitment with an increase in annual funding to the Yukon Arts Centre of $150,000, Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor announced today.
"This 30 per cent-increase in funding will ensure the arts centre continues to be a catalyst for the growth of arts and cultural industries in the Yukon," Taylor said. "The funding will support initiatives related to the centre's growth in programming and services and ensure art sector development and collaboration continues."
This increase, the second in 12 years of the centre's existence, will be used to strengthen the funding base that allows for established and future program development in support of artists, audiences and art education initiatives, all of which ensure continued community use during the year.
The centre works closely with community arts organizations and artists in planning and assisting the growth of the Yukon’s cultural economy. Taylor stated that a strong, vibrant arts community is a key to the quality of life of all Yukoners.
With this increased operational support, the centre will be well-positioned for further program expansion to meet the needs of Yukon artists, arts organizations and audiences today and into the future.
The Yukon Arts Centre opened in 1992. It currently receives annual funding from the Yukon government of $499,300 for the management and operation of the centre as it relates to the corporation's mandate defined by the Arts Centre Act.
The additional funding will augment the Yukon Art Centre's core operating budget to just under $650,000 annually.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Karen Tremblay |
| Communications | A/Communications Officer |
| Cabinet Office | Tourism and Culture |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-8304 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | karen.tremblay@gov.yk.ca |