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PRINT VERSIONProject funding for the new Conservatory
Major funding for the new Conservatory facility and The Bella Concert Hall has been provided from both the public and private sectors.
The Conservatory is grateful to the federal, provincial and municipal governments for recognizing the value of arts education in all levels of our society, to the Taylor family for their incredible generosity in supporting the arts in Calgary and to Mr. F. Richard Matthews for his dedicated support of Conservatory programming.
The Government of Canada will contribute up to $20 million — or approximately one-third of the eligible project costs — to the new Conservatory teaching facility and concert hall through its Building Canada Fund.
The Hon. Jim Prentice, Environment Minister, made the announcement on behalf of the Government of Canada July 14, 2009 at Mount Royal University.
In pledging the federal support, Mr. Prentice said:
"It is projects such as this that will create jobs and boost the economy in Calgary, as well as increase the number of artistic and cultural activities available to our community members."
Mount Royal University thanks Mr. Prentice and the Government of Canada for their commitment to the Conservatory and for their support of culture and the arts in Calgary.
On July 14, 2009, Premier Ed Stelmach, announced that the Alberta government would contribute $20 million toward the construction of a new Conservatory building.
In making the announcement, Premier Stelmach stated:
“Funding for the Mount Royal Conservatory is an investment in Alberta’s cultural legacy and part of our ongoing investment in public infrastructure during these difficult times. Ensuring young Albertans have access to arts and culture, including music instruction, is important in building strong communities and enhancing our quality of life.”
Mount Royal University Conservatory thanks the Province for its forethought and commitment to the arts in making this investment in our future.
The City of Calgary is providing $10.3 million for the Conservatory building and concert hall.
At the new Conservatory and The Bella concert hall groundbreaking event, Mayor Nenshi Naheed said:
“What makes a community successful is its ability to invest in things that make life worth living... a strong arts sector needs strong arts education. It is the glue that holds the arts community together.”
Mount Royal University and the Conservatory are grateful to the City of Calgary for its vision and support.
The $20 million donated by the Taylor Family represents not only an incredible contribution to the arts in Calgary, but also the single largest private bequest to the Mount Royal University Conservatory — and to the University itself — in our 100-year history. Mr. Don Taylor and his son, Mr. David Taylor, announced the family's donation Dec. 3, 2010.
In honour of their support for the Conservatory, our new concert hall will be named The Bella in celebration of the Taylor family's pioneer matriarch, Mary Belle Taylor.
Of his mother, Don Taylor said: "She was a strong supporter of education. Having her name associated with the university, I'm sure she'd be very proud."
Mr. F. Richards Matthews' donation of $500,000 continues his long-time support of Conservatory students, facilities and instructional programs. The Conservatory is indebted to Mr. Matthews for his generosity.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E 6K6
403.440.6111
