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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
January 27, 2010

New Studio Complements Tilting's Artist in Residence Program

Building on previous measures to preserve and market the Ireland-Newfoundland and Labrador cultural connection, the Town of Tilting is opening a studio for visiting artisans. The program, supported by a $53,700 investment from the Provincial Government, will accommodate the needs of artists from across the globe as they capture the unique and natural environment of Fogo Island and Change Islands.

The initiative complements the creation of a $16-million geo-tourism project for Fogo Island and Change Islands announced in January 2008. The Town of Tilting's Artist in Residence Program is another piece of the region's economic development.

"Supporting the Town of Tilting's Artist in Residence Program is a valuable step in increasing awareness of the area's ancestral connection with Ireland and further position Fogo Island and Change Islands as a destination for cultural, ecological, and culinary tourism," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Through the program, artists travel to Tilting and use the backdrop of the Irish-Newfoundland culture and natural setting for inspiration. It truly is an innovative approach to growing local tourism and encouraging new opportunities for economic development.

The multi-purpose studio is situated near the artists' residence known as the Reardon House Artists Retreat. It comprises an open concept work space complete with new studio equipment, a storage room and two guest rooms to better serve visiting artists. The current project also includes restoring the historic architecture and interpretive displays of other nearby heritage structures.

"The Town of Tilting is very pleased with the recent funding that supports the community's Artist in Residence Program and other ongoing cultural restoration initiatives, contributing to the long-term sustainability of our town and region," said Gerard Foley, Mayor, Town of Tilting. "Culture and creativity are integral parts of our society and economy. Economic value and opportunities exist in our unique rural cultures and intangible heritage."

Incorporated in 1975, the Town of Tilting has 248 residents located on the northeast coast of Fogo Island. With a rich Irish history dating back to the mid-1700s, the town has invested tremendously in recent years to preserve and restore its Irish culture and built heritage, becoming the first town to enjoy the provincial title of Registered Heritage District.

"I commend the people of Tilting for their long-term commitment to preserving their unique Irish heritage and using their tourism-related strengths to develop their community and local economy," said Derrick Dalley, MHA, The Isles of Notre Dame. "The project brings immediate employment benefits to the town as well as long-term economic benefits as it will attract new visitors to the region."

The 19th century-old Reardon House was restored by the town in 2008 to become a residence for professional artists while they produce works reflecting Fogo Island's natural environment and cultural heritage. For more information on the Reardon House and other cultural initiatives in Tilting, visit the town's website – www.townoftilting.com.

This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF), which through Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation was increased to an $8 million fund. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca 
Amanda McGrath
Town Clerk/Manager
Town of Tilting
709-658-7236

towncouncil@townoftilting.com
 

2010 01 27                                                    12:40 p.m.
 


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