The Government of Canada Supports St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology

February 21, 2008

On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Gord presented a cheque for $100,000 to St. Lawrence College President Chris Whitaker for the new Marianne van Silfhout art gallery.

BROCKVILLE, Ontario - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds–Grenville), today announced funding for the St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Funding of $100,000 will be used to help renovate existing space within the St. Lawrence College Brockville Campus to construct the Marianne van Silfhout Gallery, Brockville’s first public art gallery. This new space will help promote and develop the arts and support artists throughout Eastern Ontario.

“This leading-edge community art gallery provides opportunities for emerging, developing, and professional artists to exhibit their work,” said Minister Verner. “The Marianne van Silfhout Gallery is a one-of-a-kind space that makes it possible for the community to participate in cultural activities.”

“This gallery is a focal point for the college and the community. I was pleased to help the gallery obtain federal assistance for this fine addition to the city,” said Mr. Brown.

“The federal government’s support for the new Van Silfhout Gallery in Brockville is a very critical boost for this important community initiative,” said Frank Lockington, Director of Development for the St. Lawrence College Foundation. “The Gallery is proving to be a great addition to the community. The college is delighted to partner with the Government of Canada to help ensure the success of this exciting project.”

The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Cultural Spaces Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and presentation or exhibition. It is designed to improve access for Canadians to the performing, visual, and media arts, as well as to museum collections and heritage exhibitions.