BUILDING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM BENEFITS SASKATOON FAMILIES WITH $4 MILLION FOR MENDEL GALLERY

Through the Building Communities Program, young people, families and other Saskatoon residents will soon enjoy increased access to cultural activities with a $4,092,877 investment from the province of Saskatchewan in the Mendel Art Gallery.

"The arts community is a vibrant and essential part of Saskatchewan's culture, our way of life, and our government is pleased to invest in the Mendel Art Gallery and to enhance the vibrancy of Saskatoon," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "This is one more way in which we are making Saskatchewan the best place for people to live, work and build a future."

Premier Calvert, Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Sandra Morin, and Labour Minister and Saskatoon Centre MLA David Forbes were in Saskatoon today to announce funding for the Mendel Art Gallery. This additional funding will assist in the project in which the facility will be renovated and expanded by 1,542 square metres, or approximately 60 per cent.

"Expanding the Mendel will create new and exciting opportunities for the arts in Saskatoon," Forbes said. "This is great news for the residents of Saskatoon and for all Saskatchewan artists. The Mendel is a Saskatchewan icon and a key part of our province's reputation for creativity, artistic innovation and outstanding quality of life."

"The Mendel Art Gallery is a local and national treasure, and this funding will help bring art to more residents and visitors alike," Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said. "The Gallery will be able to showcase its phenomenal collection - some of Canada's and the world's finest art. We are very excited about this support and what it will bring to our community."

The Building Communities Program is the largest per capita cultural and infrastructure program in Canada. The Program is providing $100 million for cultural and recreational infrastructure over three years, beginning in 2006-07. In order to receive support from the program, community projects must have a regional approach, sound business plans and other financial partners.

Information on the Building Communities Program can be found on Culture, Youth and Recreation's website at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: jpeters@cyr.gov.sk.ca