Helping Artists Make a Living at D'Arts et de Rêves

The Government of Canada supports a key organization encouraging creativity in Sutton

SUTTON, QC, June 26, 2020 /CNW/ - By investing in creative spaces, the Government of Canada is supporting artists and their creations, ensuring we continue to build a strong and diverse cultural sector that benefits all Canadians.

With this in mind, Lyne Bessette, Member of Parliament (Brome–Missisquoi), announced $440,000 in funding for Sutton-based D'Arts et de rêves for its renovation and expansion of a portion of its building dedicated to housing artist residences. Ms. Bessette made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Funded through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, this support will allow the organization to host artists in residence year-round in renovated and new spaces that comply with building standards and are accessible to people with mobility impairments.

This investment also addresses the lack of quality infrastructure in place for the creation and production of new circus-arts projects. The adaptation of creative spaces will meet the needs of visual artists involved in large-scale work.

Quotes

"In this period of uncertainty for the entire cultural community, it is more important than ever to support those in this industry by investing heavily in creation and innovation. We trust that the ingenuity of artists will be an active contributor to the economic recovery in various regions across the country and to the overall well-being of Canadians."

—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"I am delighted to announce this funding for D'Arts et de rêves. These renovations will help this established cultural organization in Brome–Missisquoi to host artists who will help propel creation to unprecedented heights. Circus artists in the aerial disciplines as well as those who require ground anchors, such as acrobatic masts, along with visual artists who work on large scales, will finally have access to creative spaces that suit their needs."

—Lyne Bessette, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi

"Thanks to this funding from Canadian Heritage and generous help from our community, beginning in June 2021, we will have a unique space in Sutton for artistic creation that will be open year-round to both artists and the public. The location will finally be equipped with the essential facilities that our creators need to match their level of talent. This is the purpose of these renovations at D'Arts et de rêves. In one year's time, the only circus residence in Eastern Canada will be located right here in Sutton."

—Nicole Côté, President of D'Arts et de rêves

Quick Facts

D'Arts et de rêves is a not-for-profit organization founded in Sutton in 2015, whose mission it is to support creativity in the visual arts, circus arts and literature. The organization's mission is to provide a multidisciplinary creative residence for professional artists in these disciplines, in the heart of Sutton. The organization also promotes visual arts by offering free public access to its park, where it hosts numerous art exhibits.

The work will include designing two large creativity workshops, and repairing and insulating the roof. It will also include the acquisition and installation of specialized equipment, including an anchoring system for disciplines in the aerial circus arts and a hanging system for large visual art pieces. The project will also include an access ramp and a shared bathroom with access for people with mobility impairments.

The Government of Canada established the $500-million Emergency Fund, an additional temporary relief measure to help alleviate the financial pressures faced by organizations in the culture, heritage and sport sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund will help affected organizations retain jobs and maintain operations.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The Fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.

Associated Links

D'Arts et de rêves

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

SOURCE Canadian Heritage