MP Jaime Battiste visits the Highland Arts Theatre with Artistic and Executive Director Wesley Colford.

Sydney’s Highland Arts Theatre is getting some funding from the federal government.

Local MP Jamie Battiste announced that the ‘HAT’, as it’s affectionately referred to, will receive $625,000 in funding to help enhance the space. The money will ensure that audiences can continue enjoying made-in-Cape Breton theatre experiences, such as Every Brilliant Thing, a story about finding joy in the mundane which played at the HAT throughout February.

A modern fire suppression system will be installed in the theatre thanks to the funding, as well as other projects to improve the space.

“We are so grateful for this support in bringing our beautiful 119-year-old building into the 21st century,” said Wesley Colford, the HAT’s Artistic and Executive Director.