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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