News Release

SAINT ANDREWS (GNB) – The provincial government is investing up to $75,000 in the Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts for Phase 2 of a three-phase project.

Kingsbrae Garden, in Saint Andrews, celebrates the local heritage of fine gardens with its use of old and new styles over an area of about 11 hectares (27 acres). Through its sculpture competitions and other artistic events, it has bolstered the region’s reputation as a tourist destination.

“Artists and cultural organizations play an important role in economic growth and they enrich our quality of life,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames. “Once this phase is completed it will promote culture both within and outside of New Brunswick, enhance Saint Andrews as a cultural destination and strengthen the province’s tourism sector.”

The three-phase project has a total cost of $2 million. Phase 1 involved the acquisition and remodelling of the property. Phase 2 involves the construction of five stand-alone studios to be used by visiting artists and also for workshops, meet-and-greet events and to host periodic open-studio days.

Phase 3 will involve the construction of a multi-purpose amphitheatre.

The tourism industry employs more than 42,000 people in New Brunswick and contributes more than $520 million annually to the provincial GDP. For every public dollar invested in promoting New Brunswick as a tourism destination, there is an estimated return of $3.19.

The budget for the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture increased by 17.6 per cent this year. In addition, a capital investment of $75 million will be made over the next three years for upgrades to assets of cultural and historic significance.