Canadian Heritage

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 9, 2009) - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today took a tour of the Artscape Wychwood Barns, a truly unique architectural gem in the St. Clair and Christie neighbourhood.

"The Wychwood Barns is a great example of our Government's commitment to supporting organizations that are deeply engaged in enhancing arts and culture and supporting local communities," said Minister Moore. "By investing in facilities like Wychwood Barns, the Government of Canada is helping to create jobs and make our communities stronger. We are proud to work with community partners, such as Artscape, that help preserve our architectural heritage while making our communities more vibrant and dynamic."

"It's exciting to have the opportunity to give Minister Moore a tour of the Artscape Wychwood Barns and show how this arts- and environment-focused space will benefit community members of all backgrounds," said Tim Jones, President and CEO of Artscape, the non-profit organization responsible for developing and managing the Barns.

Toronto Artscape is a non-profit organization that helps provide sustainable and affordable space for arts, culture, and other non-profit groups. Artscape focuses on collaborative projects that help artists and community organizations find affordable space. The Wychwood Barns project is a redevelopment of the historic Wychwood TTC streetcar repair barns, which have been transformed into a multi-tenant arts and environmental centre run by and for the community.

The Government of Canada supported the Artscape Wychwood Barns project with a contribution of $2.25 million through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program supports cultural infrastructure projects that increase access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts and that improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. Funding is also provided for the construction and renovation of arts and heritage facilities, for the purchase of specialized equipment, and for feasibility studies and projects to transform buildings into arts or heritage facilities.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.