A big investment has the arts community in Stratford talking, after a grant of $20-million was announced by the federal government for the construction of a new Tom Patterson Theatre Centre.
Federal Minister of Heritage Melanie Joly made the announcement in the lobby of the Stratford Theatre Monday, where she received a standing ovation after saying investing in cultural infrastructure like the Stratford Festival plays a key role in supporting dynamic communities.
The current Tom Patterson Theatre was built in 1906 and will be replaced with a 75,000 sq ft centre that will have increased seating capacity, with eyes on developing a strong foundation for further economic growth.
Stratford Festival Executive Director Anita Gaffney feels the federal investment, coupled with a prior $20-million investment by the province, will position the new Tom Patterson Theatre Centre to be at the middle of a developing arts sector around the region.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater was also on hand and said allowing the theatre to expand in this manner will help them realize digital ambitions, and allow them to better share finished works -- nationally, as well as internationally.
Stratford city councillors will debate the issue further in the new year, before making a final decision on the redevelopment project.
