Government has proclaimed 2024 as the Year of the Arts.

The new initiative was announced yesterday evening during a special celebration at The Rooms.

Included with the proclamation is a new mid-sized theatre to be built in the capital city. The new building will be larger than the historic LSPU Hall, but smaller than the Arts and Culture Centre, something initiative partner and newly inducted Canadian Walk of Fame member Rick Mercer says is badly needed.

Mercer says producing theatre in this city is very difficult with the current ecosystem. He says the LSPU Hall has always been a small theatre, and the arts and Culture Centre is too big.

Alongside the theatre, the initiative will see $4 million in funding for artists to support new works, as well as numerous exhibitions and opportunities.

More details will be announced over the next year.