RBC Financial Group announces $4 million for cultural cornerstones
of Toronto
Investment in arts and culture will also help support
tourism in GTA
TORONTO, September 16, 2003 -
Four of Toronto's leading cultural institutions are receiving
donations totalling $4 million from RBC Financial Group: the
Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Canadian
Opera Company and the National Ballet School.
"The best cities in the world are renowned as great
places to live and visit, in part because of their outstanding
arts and cultural institutions," said Gord Nixon, president
and CEO, RBC Financial Group. "Toronto is one of those
great cities, but it will only remain so if we reinvest in
its infrastructure, including our leading cultural institutions.
We hope the investment RBC is making today will have a positive
ripple effect, enhancing the entire region's economy, and
also helping preserve a vibrant arts scene that is so essential
to the quality of life in the Greater Toronto Area."
All four institutions receiving donations from RBC have recently
undertaken major improvement projects under the SuperBuild
funding program, an initiative of the federal government and
the province of Ontario.
Art Gallery of Ontario: RBC
Foundation will contribute $1.25 million. The AGO is transforming
its building to showcase its collections, and will feature
40 per cent more viewing space for art, light-filled galleries,
a dramatic new street entrance and new "behind the scenes"
access.
Royal Ontario Museum: RBC Foundation
will contribute $1.25 million. The ROM is constructing a new
building, with an international exhibition hall, as well as
undertaking a major restoration of its heritage buildings
and new spaces for all its major collections.
Canadian Opera Company: RBC
Foundation will contribute $1 million. The COC is constructing
a 2,000-seat theatre specifically designed for the Canadian
Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada, with an expanded
backstage area; seating that will provide superior sightlines
and acoustics; and improved audience amenities.
National Ballet School: RBC
Foundation will contribute $500,000. The National Ballet School
is developing the former CBC property on Jarvis Street; adding
a new training facility, renovating the Havergal building
as a new academic facility and refurbishing the School's existing
residential and retail facilities.
About RBC
RBC Financial Group (RBC) supports organizations, initiatives
and events that contribute to Canada's communities through
nurturing and celebrating artistic expression. In 2002, RBC
supported national and community theatre, dance, choral and
orchestral music. Focus areas include programs that help bring
the arts to children.
For more on RBC's support of the arts, visit www.rbc.com/community.
- 30 -
For more information contact:
Judi Levita, RBC media relations, (416) 974-8810
|
