Government Supports New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation Digital Broadcasting Studio

Innovation is the key to driving economic growth in the creative sector. That is why government is investing nearly $75,000 to support the creation of a digital broadcasting studio at The Convent in Sydney.

“The digital market is growing every day and it is important that we continue investing in creativity, innovation and technology,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine, in announcing the funding. “The new digital broadcasting studio will not only benefit the members of The Convent but encourage other community organizations to work in new ways to help grow our province’s vital creative economy.”

The Convent is a community hub operated by the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation. It is a mixed-use facility with sustainable working and gathering spaces that help strengthen Cape Breton’s economy with new energies, concepts and ideas.

The new digital broadcasting studio space will be available to individuals, businesses and community organizations such as The Coast 89.7 CKOA-FM community radio station that wants to expand its creative initiatives. The studio is expected to be completed this November.

The federal government has also contributed $75,000 towards the digital broadcasting studio.

Quotes:

“Our government is pleased to support this project that will help improve the technical conditions to create and broadcast live and recorded digital productions at a time when they are more important than ever. This funding will not only benefit the local community, but will allow New Dawn to expand its reach and allow all Canadians to take part in its great initiatives.”

– Steven Guilbeault, minister of Canadian Heritage

“The Convent is home to many gifted artists and organizations who will benefit from the broadcasting equipment purchased with this investment. It will allow live and pre-recorded performances, help artists and musicians digitally adapt or distribute their works and better connect The Convent to the everchanging world.”

– Erika Shea, vice president of development, New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation

“We would like to congratulate The Convent on its leadership, vision and success for the arts and culture community of Cape Breton. This funding will provide unique opportunities for the community looking to engage in new mediums of podcasting and broadcasting. We look forward to continuing our creative collaborations with The Convent in the future.”

– Bill MacNeil, general manager, The Coast 89.7 Coastal Community Radio Co-operative Limited

Quick Facts:

• The Convent is a new arts and cultural centre which opened in 2020
• funding for the project is provided through the One-Time Emerging Culture and Heritage Initiatives Program, which supports community organizations that primarily focus on cultural and heritage development, interests, and innovation
• funding for the project by the federal government is provided through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund with Canadian Heritage which supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces
• the program provides up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs
• the One-Time Emerging Culture and Heritage Initiatives Program is one of Communities, Culture and Heritage’s grant programs supporting artistic works and cultural projects, including the Cultural and Youth Activities Program and the Operating Assistance to Cultural Organizations

Additional Resources:

New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation Inc: http://centre.newdawn.ca

The Convent: http://centre.newdawn.ca/the_convent

The Coast 89.7 CKOA-FM: https://coastalradio.ca

Fund Supports Cape Breton Arts and Culture Hub: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200131001

More information about the One-time Emerging Culture and Heritage Initiatives Program: https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future/one-time-emerging-culture-and-heritage-initiatives

More information about the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/cultural-spaces-fund.html

Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan, Creativity and Community: https://novascotia.ca/culture/Culture-Action-Plan--English.pdf