Government of Canada invests in cultural programming and infrastructure upgrades at the University of Victoria

VICTORIA, January 16, 2023

Cultural spaces are essential to the strength, openness and vibrancy of our cities. As community gathering spaces, they provide outlets for artists and performers to freely explore and nurture their creativity.

Today, Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced $117,000 in funding for infrastructure enhancements and cultural programming at the University of Victoria's Farquhar Auditorium. He made this announcement on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez.

The government is investing $75,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for specialized equipment, including upgraded sound, video and lighting technology, at the Farquhar Auditorium. This support will ensure that artists will be able to rehearse and perform in a safe place while audiences will benefit from an enhanced performance experience.

Additional funding was made through two components of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund-the Development Component and Re-engaging Audiences Fund for Professional Arts Presentation Organizations, a COVID-19 support measure.

The Farquhar Auditorium's Voices in Circle: Amplifying Indigenous Cultural Voices presentation series will receive $22,000 through the Development Component. This will help promote and celebrate Indigenous cultures through programming centered around meaningful engagement and reconciliation. This unique series was developed by Indigenous community members and will feature a variety of performances and activities.

The government is also investing $20,000 through the Re-engaging Audiences Fund for Professional Arts Presentation Organizations to help stimulate the relaunch of live performing arts and in-person activities at the auditorium, following its COVID-19-related closures and capacity restrictions.