Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development

July 27, 2010

A new exhibit featuring the French Shore Tapestry, a 222-foot long embroidered piece of art depicting the history of Newfoundland and Labrador's French Shore, was officially opened today at the French Shore Interpretation Centre in Conche. The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"This is a truly inspiring piece of artwork which highlights an important part of our diverse heritage and culture," said Minister French. "It will no doubt become a must-see cultural attraction in this region, and I congratulate all involved, particularly the 12 women who spent more than 20,000 hours embroidering this complex tapestry from start to finish."

The French Shore Tapestry Exhibit is the result of a collaboration between the French Shore Historical Society in Conche, artist Jean Claude Roy and his wife Christina Roy, co-director of the tapestry project. The tapestry illustrates local history — one that includes Maritime Archaic Indians, Inuit, Vikings, French, and English settlers. It is modelled after the Bayeux Tapestry in France, which describes the Norman invasion of England in 1066.

The Provincial Government provided the French Shore Historical Society with more than $243,000 to support the French Shore Tapestry project, including investment through the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment's Job Creation Partnership Program, and from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development's Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation also provides an annual operating grant to the French Shore Historical Society through the Cultural Economic Development Program.

"The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment was pleased to support the French Shore Historical Society by providing support for the renovation of the interpretation centre and to provide a room to properly display and interpret the French Shore Tapestry," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The French Shore Interpretation Centre makes a huge contribution to the province, and it continues to promote our unique local history around the world. This partnership will produce economic benefits to the area, meaningful employment opportunities for individuals, and preserve our heritage for years to come."

The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, said the French Shore Historical Society has excelled over the years in identifying initiatives to leverage the region's rich cultural heritage to generate new economic development opportunities.

"With this investment from the Provincial Government, the society will now be able to properly display and interpret the tapestry and offer interactive experiences for visitors," said Minister Skinner. "It also builds upon the society's development of other historic sites and trails in the area."

Joan Simmonds, Program Manager with the French Shore Historical Society, said the French Shore Tapestry is more than a visual chronicle of history.

"The tapestry is an international community project, completed by people who had the courage to take an idea and turn it into reality," said Ms. Simmonds. "As part of the tourism industry, we have always said that good partnerships make sustainable development possible, and the creation of this tapestry is proving that to be true."

For more detailed information about the French Shore Tapestry, visit: frenchshoretapestry.com/en/tapestry.asp and the French Shore Historical Society, visit: www.frenchshore.com

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2010 07 27                                                     2:10 p.m.