Calgary's National Music Centre gets $5M from Ottawa for final phase

The National Music Centre in Calgary is getting a $5-million boost from Ottawa.

Liberal MP Kent Hehr announced the pledge Thursday on behalf of the department of Canadian Heritage.

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The money will go towardthe final phase of construction at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. This phase includes three recording studios to be used by artists in residence, an integrated ticketing system,final work on exhibition spaces, as well as electrical, audiovisual and mechanical systems.

"Our cultural institutions play a critical role," the Calgary Centre MP tweeted later. "They help us preserve our heritage, tell our stories and strengthen our communities."

The money comes from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

"In its first year of operation, Studio Bell has received international acclaim for its architecture, won awards for its exhibition design, hosted major eventsand supported over a dozen artists in residence," Canadian Heritage said in a release.

Last month, National Music Centre CEO Andrew Mosker said the organization has managed to raise more than $130 million to pay for the East Village building, but still owes $60 million.

The 160,000-square-foot Studio Bell is also the home of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, CKUARadio, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collectionand the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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