Source: Facebook

Devour! Studios in the Annapolis Valley is about to get a big make-over.

The province will spend $2.2 million to make a permanent home for the space in Wolfville, with $3.5 million coming from the Government of Canada.

Renovations will not only make it a permanent place for Devour! The Food Film Fest, which welcomes close to 15,000 to Wolfville each year.

It will provide space for arts, events and local food retailers as a community hub in the area.

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

“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