If passed, Budget 2024 would support culture in Edmonton’s downtown core by committing $12.8 million over three years to Phase 3 of the Winspear Centre expansion project.
Alberta has a thriving arts and culture scene that significantly contributes to our province’s economy and helps create vibrant communities. The Winspear Centre in downtown Edmonton is a hub where arts and culture come to life for thousands of residents.
If Budget 2024 is passed, Alberta’s government would commit $12.8 million over three years, starting next year, to support the third phase of the Winspear Centre’s renovation and expansion project. Phase 3 completes the 550-seat acoustic performance venue and adds community gathering spaces, music studios and classrooms.
“Winspear Centre is a treasured arts and culture hub that provides Albertans and visitors with world-class arts experiences while fostering a sense of community. By supporting this transformational project, Alberta’s government is building a more vibrant arts scene in Edmonton, creating jobs and increasing access to arts for Albertans from every walk of life.”
Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
Supporting cultural infrastructure like the Winspear Centre ensures the province has the facilities needed to continue to celebrate and promote Alberta’s unique arts, culture and heritage. Supporting the Winspear’s project will enable the centre to have more space for educational, cultural and artistic programming, performances, meetings and conferences for youth and the broader public.
“We are moving closer to completing our dream of building a centre where everyone can gather downtown to share, learn and enjoy music. Music is at the heart of how we, as humans, express ourselves. The new Winspear will be a place where anyone can come to ignite their creative spirit, and the province’s added contribution will truly make a difference.”
Annemarie Petrov, president and chief executive officer, Francis Winspear Centre for Music
“We founded 5 Artists 1 Love 18 years ago to represent Black musicians and artists in Edmonton’s arts scene and take up space by performing in places where we felt we didn’t belong. For a world-renowned venue like the Winspear to build a centre that opens doors for all communities and all cultures is so important, because creating an inclusive space begins with representation.”
Darren Jordan, founder of 5 Artists 1 Love
Budget 2024 is a responsible plan to strengthen health care and education, build safe and supportive communities, manage the province’s resources wisely and promote job creation to continue to build Alberta’s competitive advantage.
