New funding promised for the Canadian Space Agency, which is
seeking two new Canadian astronauts to join Steve MacLean, shown
here just prior to blasting off in 2006. (Associated Press)
((Terry Renna/Associated Press))  The past year might have been
filled with talk of curtains closing and arts funding being
taken away, but the 2009 federal budget would aim to keep
Canada's creative juices flowing through tough economic times.
Much of the year's arts funding, according to the budget, would
start at the community level, with a focus on cultural and
heritage institutions.  Local theatres, libraries and museums
would receive $60 million over two years to improve
infrastructure; community newspapers and Canadian magazines
would get $30 million over the same period.  The Canada New
Media Fund and the Canadian Television Fund would also get
increased funding. The New Media Fund would receive $28.6
million (and $14.3 million in following years) and the CTF would
get $200 million.  The Canada New Media Fund is used