Published on
August 28, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Canada boosts Regina’s Creative City Centre with $89,000 tech upgrade to modernise spaces, improve accessibility, and showcase national talent. At the same time, Canada invests in Regina’s Creative City Centre with a powerful tech upgrade that reflects the government’s vision for culture, technology, and creativity. This initiative is more than funding. It is a signal that Canada believes in Regina’s role as a growing cultural hub. The Creative City Centre is receiving $89,000 to modernise spaces, improve accessibility, and give national talent a platform. Through this investment, Canada boosts Regina’s Creative City Centre into a new era of performance and innovation.
The decision to invest comes from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which exists to strengthen creative institutions. Canada invests in Regina’s Creative City Centre by ensuring that the $89,000 tech upgrade brings modern projectors, screens, audio and recording equipment, a public address system, and professional lighting. These upgrades modernise spaces and improve accessibility so that artists and audiences can share meaningful experiences. Canada boosts Regina’s Creative City Centre by aligning its vision with inclusivity, creativity, and community.
The Creative City Centre stands as proof that technology and talent go hand in hand. With this powerful tech upgrade, Regina gains a home that can showcase national talent while improving access for all. Canada invests not just money but confidence in the Creative City Centre. This project ensures that modernised spaces, improved accessibility, and powerful technology will position Regina as a leading creative hub in Canada.
Ottawa backs Creative City Centre with new technology
The Government of Canada has announced a major investment to boost Regina’s creative community. The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, confirmed that $89,000 will go to the Creative City Centre. This funding comes from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The money will be used for modern technology upgrades at the Centre’s new Cornwall Street home. The announcement came during a ministerial tour of the building, where renovations are in progress. This step shows the federal commitment to arts, innovation and community access.
Modern equipment to transform the audience experience
The investment will purchase and install specialised equipment. This includes projectors, screens, a public address system, audio and recording devices, and a hearing assist system. It also covers professional-quality lighting, draping and staging. These upgrades are designed to improve accessibility, modernise technical systems, and give audiences a richer cultural experience. For artists, it means better tools to showcase their creativity. For the public, it ensures events that are clearer, brighter and more inclusive. This focus on technology signals how Canada is blending tradition with innovation in the cultural sector.
A new home for arts, culture, and innovation in Regina
The Creative City Centre’s renovated space is set to become a cultural hub. The building will feature an art gallery, a performance venue, a classroom, an artist-in-residence studio, and a recording and production studio. Beyond that, it will host key tenants such as Articulate Ink, the Sâkêwêwak First Nations Artists’ Collective, Commonweal Community Arts, and the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance. By housing multiple organisations under one roof, the Centre will act as a collaborative engine for the city’s arts scene. Renovations are scheduled for completion in March 2026.
Minister Guilbeault: arts are central to Canadian identity
Minister Guilbeault stressed the importance of this project for both culture and the economy. He noted that the arts are a key part of Canadian identity and a strong driver of growth. Supporting the Creative City Centre means giving artists more opportunities to collaborate, create and share. He highlighted that accessibility improvements will ensure that more Canadians can enjoy performances and exhibitions. This vision reflects the government’s cultural policy: to strengthen creative communities while expanding access for audiences. It positions Regina as a national example of cultural renewal.
A grateful response from Creative City Centre
Marian Donnelly, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Creative City Centre, expressed deep gratitude. She emphasised that the funding allows the Centre to equip its performance space with upgraded sound and lighting. It also provides classroom and recording facilities that artists and audiences can use. Donnelly pointed out that the new location in Regina’s downtown will showcase both Saskatchewan and Canadian talent. The Centre is proud to continue its mission of supporting the arts community and providing platforms for diverse voices.
A long history of supporting local artists
The Creative City Centre was first established in 2008 and officially opened its doors in 2011. Since then, it has played a vital role in Regina’s cultural life. Its mandate is to provide affordable spaces and opportunities for artists. It works to ensure a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable creative community. Over the years, it has supported thousands of artists across multiple disciplines. This record underlines why the Centre is seen as a cornerstone of cultural life in Saskatchewan’s capital city.
Hosting hundreds of events each year
On average, the Creative City Centre presents between 150 and 200 events every year. These cover a wide range of activities, from music concerts and visual art exhibitions to spoken word, poetry slams, and comedy nights. There are also live drawing sessions, film screenings, and workshops. The mix of programming reflects the Centre’s role as a community hub. It is not just a performance space but also a platform for education, dialogue and creativity. These events draw both local residents and visitors, strengthening Regina’s reputation as a cultural destination.
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund explained
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund plays a central role in this story. It exists to improve physical conditions for arts, heritage and creative innovation across the country. The Fund supports renovation projects, specialised equipment purchases, and planning or design studies. Its aim is to create spaces where culture can thrive. In the case of the Creative City Centre, the Fund is helping to modernise infrastructure, expand accessibility, and equip artists with tools for innovation. This shows how federal investment directly benefits local communities.
The wider impact on tourism and the local economy
Investments in cultural infrastructure also have strong links to tourism. With better facilities, Regina can attract more cultural visitors, events and partnerships. These improvements can help drive economic growth by increasing visitor spending and community engagement. Arts and culture have long been proven to contribute to urban development. For Saskatchewan, this project is another step in building a more resilient and appealing cultural economy. The new Creative City Centre will not only support artists but also act as a draw for domestic and international tourists.
Strengthening inclusivity and accessibility in arts spaces
One of the key features of the upgrade is accessibility. By installing a hearing assist system and enhancing technical features, the Centre ensures that more people can enjoy performances. Inclusivity is no longer optional in cultural policy—it is essential. Canada’s investment in accessibility reflects a broader national trend. The arts must be open to everyone, regardless of physical or financial barriers. The Creative City Centre is positioning itself as a leader in inclusive cultural programming, making it a model for other institutions nationwide.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond
The renovations are expected to conclude in March 2026, marking a new chapter in Regina’s cultural life. Once completed, the Centre will open its doors with a renewed mission and enhanced capabilities. For artists, it means a modern home where their work can shine. For audiences, it means engaging experiences that are easier to access and enjoy. For the city, it is an anchor institution that enriches daily life and boosts its reputation. The story of the Creative City Centre is one of renewal, growth, and national support.
Canada’s cultural vision in action
The $89,000 investment in Regina’s Creative City Centre shows how national cultural policy meets local needs. It proves that technology, accessibility and collaboration are key to sustaining arts communities. With federal backing, the Centre will continue to inspire, host and educate. This project demonstrates the Canadian government’s dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive creative economy. By March 2026, Regina will be home to a revitalised cultural landmark. The Creative City Centre’s journey is a clear reminder that arts and culture are not luxuries—they are the heartbeat of Canadian life.
Source: www.canada.ca
