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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Tourism, Culture and Recreation September 18, 2009 Permanent Irish Exhibit to Open at The Rooms
The Provincial Government will host the official opening of a permanent Irish exhibit tomorrow (Saturday, September 19) at 7:00 p.m. at The Rooms. The permanent exhibit, entitled The Fishing Ground: Talamh an �isc (pronounced �TAHL-oo un ayshk�): The Story of the Irish on the Island of Newfoundland, depicts the close relationship that exists between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador, spanning hundreds of years to present day. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Chair of Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP), will be guest speaker at the official opening. His Excellency Declan Kelly, Irish Ambassador to Canada, and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Recreation, will also participate in the opening ceremony. Ambassador Kelly is leading an Irish delegation comprising 80 government, business, and industry leaders, who are visiting the province to participate in a series of events celebrating Ireland�s connection to Newfoundland and Labrador. "This exhibit embodies the cultural connections and Irish influence that is still experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador today," said Minister Skinner. "It celebrates our historical attachment and represents the productive partnerships among our industry and business leaders. As a government, we recognize the value of our relationship with Ireland and are confident that it will continue to grow closer and benefit both jurisdictions, particularly within ocean technology and other knowledge-based sectors." " On behalf of the Irish government, I am delighted to welcome the opening of the unique new Irish Legacy Exhibition, and to express my appreciation for the efforts of The Rooms' staff and researchers in bringing it to fruition," said Ambassador Kelly. "This exhibition is a wonderful celebration of the close historic and cultural links between the people of Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador, forged through over 300 years of shared history, and which we are eager to extend into the future through co-operation on important projects such as this."The ceremony will also recognize the contributions of Agnes Aylward, a long-time Irish public servant and outgoing Director of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership (INP) - IBP�s sister organization in Dublin, Ireland. The INP facilitates and promotes co-operation between Irish organizations and businesses and those in Newfoundland and Labrador. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the tireless commitment and dedication of Agnes Aylward during her time at INP and her critical role in strengthening the bond between the two jurisdictions," said Minister Skinner. "She has continuously displayed leadership and a vision for the partnership, helping align key priorities and taking the partnership to a point where it can grow and prosper." The exhibit opening is part of a series of events, from September 17 to 27, celebrating the province�s Irish connection. Officials from various levels of government, business leaders, representatives of educational institutions and development associations, and members of the arts community will be participating. Events will include Feile Tilting, Ireland-Newfoundland Festival of the Sea, a remembrance concert and tribute to the late Aloysius Patrick O�Brien, and a reception at St. John�s City Hall to open the exhibition of the photography of Ireland�s Michael Durand. Further details on these events are available in the backgrounder below. "These special activities serve to highlight and celebrate one aspect of our cultural history," said Minister Jackman. "The permanent Irish exhibit at The Rooms Provincial Museum tells an important story, and will enhance the quality presentation of our overall history and culture to both residents and tourists alike." Dr.John Mannion of Memorial University provided detailed advice on the historical content and text for the exhibit while Eamonn McEneaney, Director of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, is the guest curator for the exhibit. The permanent exhibit is cost-shared by the Provincial Government�s IBP, Government of Ireland�s Department of Foreign Affairs and INP, along with a private contribution from Tom Foran. The Irish exhibit will be available for public viewing beginning at 12:00 noon on September 20. It will be displayed in the main exhibit area at The Rooms, located in St. John�s. Visit www.therooms.ca/contacts.asp for more information. Established in 1997, IBP assists Newfoundland and Labrador-based companies and organizations to identify and capitalize on economic, cultural, and educational opportunities with Ireland. It promotes strategic business alliances through marketing agreements, joint ventures, and technology transfer opportunities and develops linkages between the public and private sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland. - 30 - Media contacts:
BACKGROUNDER The following events commemorate the Ireland - Newfoundland and Labrador connection. Feile Tilting
For more information, contact the Town of Tilting�s office at 709-658-7381 or by e-mail at towncouncil@townoftilting.com. Ireland-Newfoundland and Labrador Festival of the Sea Tribute to the Late Aloysius Patrick O�Brien
To learn more about Aloysius O�Brien�s tremendous contributions, visit //www.munster-express.ie/obituaries/obit/late-aloysius-patrick-obrien. Photography Exhibit for Michael Durand To view samples of Michael Durand�s work, visit //www.michaeldurand.com 2009 09 18 9:45 a.m. |
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