Federal Government takes a few seats at the Lester Centre with 85,000 dollar grant towards 'Please Be Seated' initiative

The Federal Government is helping towards seat replacement at
Prince Rupert's Lester Centre of the Arts

Prince Rupert's Lester Centre of the Arts has a bit of additional money to work with this summer, that following a funding announcement from the Federal Government that will see 85,000 dollars in funding directed to the North Coast's premier Arts facility. 

Funded through the Department of Heritage through the Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund, the Lester Centre is putting the money to use towards its "Please Be Seated" project.

The Lester Centre's General Manager Chris Armstrong was enthusiastic in his statement today towards the Federal help and observes how it will help the Seat project at the Arts Centre to move forward.

“This funding will definitely help us turn this project into a reality. We’re very grateful for the financial support of the federal government, who have shown through this funding program that improving the physical condition of performing arts centres will allow a variety of experiences for audiences and performers across the country.”

The Please be Seated project was launched earlier this year, with a goal of replacing the 694 seats inn the theatre of the Lester Centre, the seats are original fixtures for the Centre. which was built in 1987.

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriquez had some welcome news
for Arts supporters in Prince Rupert today

Federal Minister Pablo Rodriguez hailed the project and how the Centre brings area residents together.

“Our communities deserve quality cultural spaces that allow them to come together around our favourite stories and artists. The ‘Please Be Seated’ project aims to do just that! Thanks to this project, residents and visitors will continue to enjoy the magic of live performances at the Lester Centre.”

The Lester Centre's 'Seat Sale initiative''  has so far raised 30,000 dollars in donations from individuals and organizations in the Prince Rupert area.

Crystal Lorette, the President of the Lester Centre Society who is the past General Manager of the facility noted to the strong level of community support that the Performing Arts Centre receives.

“It’s always amazing to see the support of the community for the performing arts. People in this community really love the Lester Centre, and it continually shows up in their support, whether it be as audience members, as performers on stage, or as donators to a project like this.”

You can learn more about the Current fundraising program at the Lester Centre here.

More notes on the Arts in Prince Rupert can be reviewed here.