DRAYTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 14, 2011) - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament (Perth–Wellington), today announced funding for Drayton Entertainment.

This funding will support Drayton Entertainment's purchase and installation of new sound, lighting, and other specialized theatre equipment for three of its historic venues: Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton; the King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene; and the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend. Drayton Entertainment's programming features a variety of musical theatre, comedy, and drama.

"Our Government is proud to support the work being done by Drayton Entertainment," said Minister Moore. "This investment will result in improved artistic experiences and will ensure wider access to audiences across these communities."

"Thanks to the dedication of organizations like Drayton Entertainment and our Government's investments in the arts, our communities can continue to enjoy quality facilities and theatrical presentations," said Mr. Schellenberger.

"This is an exciting day for our organization," said Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "This project is unique in that it will directly pay dividends for multiple communities in Ontario and also elevate our ability to develop exciting new artistic opportunities that will attract new visitors to these areas."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $359,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts and to museum collections and heritage displays.

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, an additional $60 million over two years was announced to stimulate the economy by investing in cultural infrastructure through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)