North End Halifax will benefit from art installations to help bring people back to public spaces

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have public spaces that reflect local identity, promote social connection and invite people to explore. These areas are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a non-repayable investment of $111,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the North End Business Association (NEBA). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow NEBA to engage a local artist to create a permanent monument for Viola Desmond on Gottingen Street. The contribution will also support the creation of banners by 40 underrepresented artists, to be displayed around the North End. The new art, paired with informational signage and walking tours, will encourage people to explore the North End while helping to preserve the area’s cultural identity.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in new ways to come together and experience the rich cultural heritage of places like Halifax’s North End helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, creates jobs, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”
– The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“As a hometown hero and civil rights pioneer, it is only appropriate that Viola Desmond be commemorated in North End Halifax where her legacy is felt all around us. Our government is investing in projects like this to draw people back to shared public spaces where they can connect with our history and each other.”
–  Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax

Quick facts

• Interested artists are invited to apply online by December 20, 2021.
• November 8, 2021 marked 75 years since North End resident and business owner Viola Desmond was arrested for challenging racial segregation at a Nova Scotia theatre. The event helped set Canada’s modern civil rights movement into motion. 
• CCRF funding will support two major streams of activity:o   adapt community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,o   build or improve community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 
• Eligible recipients will include not-for-profit organizations; rural, municipal or regional governments; Indigenous groups and communities; and public sector bodies that provide municipal-type infrastructure. 
• Priority may be given to projects that encourage the participation of underrepresented groups and take into consideration the unique challenges of rural and remote communities. 
• For more information on the application process, eligibility criteria and eligible expenses, or to apply for the CCRF, reach out to your regional development agency.
• Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery in the region. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, Jobs and Growth Fund, Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and Tourism Relief Fund.