As Newfoundland and Labrador reopens to increased social and economic activity in the weeks and months ahead, Provincial Government support for Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador (TNL) will assist this arts, culture and tourism organization with its operation as well as new marketing activities.
For nearly 40 years, TNL has been creating, producing and sharing the stories of our province through professional theatre. In addition to its significant contributions to arts and culture, TNL has become an important economic generator, with a well-known product offering among tourists.
TNL is embarking on its first season at the newly constructed Nurse Myra Bennett Centre for the Performing Arts in Cow Head. To enhance and improve marketing and communications initiatives for TNL, the Provincial Government is contributing $147,750 for a two-year business development initiative. This is in addition to $80,000 from the Cultural Economic Development Program to support the 2021 Gros Morne Theatre Festival season.
The business development funding will help TNL increase its online presence and implement a two-year marketing plan, with the goal of attracting new visitors to the Gros Morne area.
Support for these new activities, as well as past investment to make the new facility a reality, demonstrates a commitment to arts and culture, tourism, and social enterprise in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“I congratulate everyone involved in opening night at the brand new Nurse Myra Bennett Centre for the Performing Arts in Cow Head. It is a beautiful arts facility in the stunning area of Gros Morne. As we implement our province’s re-opening plan ‘Together. Again’, I look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience the world class performing arts in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador and the Gros Morne Theatre Festival have been integral to economic development in the western region of the province. The business development funding will play a key role in helping the company build momentum for this year and beyond.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“It is wonderful to see this support available for Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador and our province’s arts and culture sector. The theatre will be sure to create a must see experience for tourists and residents alike at the newly constructed Nurse Myra Bennett Centre for the Performing Arts in Cow Head.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“TNL is so very grateful to the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. We’re not sure if TNL could weather the “COVID-19 storm” without this support. We’re looking forward to our 25th Gros Morne Theatre Festival anniversary season at our new Nurse Myra Bennett Centre for the Performing Arts in Cow Head – June 25-Aug. 29, 2021. The Business Development Support contribution allows us to increase our marketing and create online offerings of our plays for people who are unable to attend shows in person this summer due to restrictions or comfort level. The live theatre industry will be one of the last to bounce back from this pandemic and we appreciate that the province recognizes the important economic and cultural impact the arts has on our cultural tourism industry and for being there during good and bad times. Thank you!”
Gaylene Buckle
Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Kathryn Summers
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Gaylene Buckle
Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador
709-639-7238
tnl@theatrenewfoundland.com