The Province is investing $2.2 million in a community hub that will help the Annapolis Valley continue to grow as an international culinary and cultural tourism destination.
Renovations to Devour! Studios in Wolfville will allow it to be a permanent home for Devour! The Food Film Fest and provide space for arts events and local food retailers.
“Devour! Studios is a transformative project, creating a place that will directly support the arts, event tourism, and culinary industries,” said Melissa Sheehy-Richard, MLA for West Hants, on behalf of Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “The new building will provide a strategic boost to our province’s economy, where visitors will enjoy performances, art exhibits, watch films, and taste local cuisine. As a government, we know that Devour! is a driver for the local tourism industry, and our investment will increase the festival’s capacity to foster creative and sustainable economic development right here in Nova Scotia.”
Devour! Studios: A Centre for Culinary and Cultural Innovation will serve as a multi-tenant, multi-purpose space for large events; culinary arts and education programs; cultural celebrations; professional music, film, and visual artists; and retailers selling Nova Scotia food and beverages.
Investments from other levels of government include $3.5 million from the Government of Canada, $100,000 from the Town of Wolfville and $78,700 from the Municipality of the County of Kings.
Quotes:
“These retrofits will transform an old warehouse into an accessible multi-purpose community facility residents can enjoy throughout the year. This revitalized building will also help reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions and provide a space for community, social and cultural services.”
– Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“The Town of Wolfville is thrilled that the home of Devour! is located in the heart of our town. Wolfville’s contribution to this iconic new home supports physical accessibility in the Devour! building and general public enjoyment through the patio link to the town’s waterfront. Wolfville’s contribution recognizes the important economic and social impact Devour! brings to our town. We anticipate spin-off benefits to food, beverage and accommodation businesses and opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs connected to food and film. Devour! is an exciting opportunity for our town and our entire region.”
– Wendy Donovan, Mayor, Town of Wolfville
“The Municipality of the County of Kings has, among its strategic priorities, the building and support of strong communities. A strong arts and culture community is important to our region. The unique approach of the Slow Motion Food Film Fest Society provides cultural and food experiences across a wide spectrum. We are delighted to support the society in this endeavour.”
– Peter Muttart, Mayor, Municipality of the County of Kings
“Devour! Studios represents the next period of significant growth for the festival. This multi-tenanted space will also act as a home for a number of other regional organizations. Devour! Studios will be a pre-eminent cultural facility for performance as well as a place to explore the vibrancy of Nova Scotia’s history and agriculture. This is the culmination of several years of work with the support and mentorship of our festival patrons and many, many other individuals. We are proud to have reached this milestone, thanks to the esteemed government partners here today.”
– Michael Howell, Executive Director and Lia Rinaldo, Managing Director, Devour! Studios
Quick Facts:
— Devour! is the largest food film festival in the world, welcoming close to 15,000 food and film lovers to Wolfville each year
— the Province’s investment includes $1.2 million from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, and $1 million through Invest Nova Scotia
— the Government of Canada is investing $2.28 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and $1.2 million through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Additional Resources:
Devour! The Food Film Festival website: https://devourfest.com/
