Innovation, Business and Rural Development
July 25, 2014
Strategic Investments Strengthen Cultural Opportunities
Southern Shore Folk Arts Council Supported with $54,000 Investment
The Southern Shore Folk Arts Council is better positioned to support the cultural sector in the Ferryland region as a result of a Provincial Government investment of $54,538. Funding will be used to enhance Festival Park, home of the annual Shamrock Folk Festival, as well as support other Arts Council amenities. The 29th annual Shamrock Festival will take place this weekend in Ferryland.
“Artistic talent and cultural expression are strong throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and arts councils and cultural advocates are an important part of enabling that expression to be shared with the community and with visitors to our great province. I am pleased that this investment of over $54,000 will support the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council in their ability to enhance their current offerings, as well as their efforts to further improve the Shamrock Festival. This funding builds on our strong commitment to the Folk Arts Council and the entire region over the last several years.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
A traditional Newfoundland/ Irish music festival, the Shamrock Festival attracts great interest from both musicians and the community and has achieved significant growth since its inception in 1986. Funding will support enhancements to Festival Park, including improvements to site drainage and renovations to the Regional Arts Centre.
“This project demonstrates our continued commitment to the region in supporting the culture and art of the southern shore while enhancing the experience of residents and tourists who enjoy our world renowned hospitality. I also acknowledge the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council volunteers and staff for all of their efforts on this project and for the work all year round in driving cultural activity in our region and the resulting economic activity.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Ferryland
A non-profit organization, the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council operates out of the former Bernard Kavanagh premises in Ferryland. The council offers a successful dinner theatre, the annual Shamrock Music Festival, as well as a seasonal tea room.
“On behalf of the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council, I would like to thank the Provincial Government for their continued support. Ferryland has advanced as a major tourism destination and our organization is a key participant. This investment in our infrastructure will allow us to build on the events and services that we offer to our provincial guests and visiting tourists from outside the province. It will assist in maintaining employment for 30 seasonal and full-time positions and many other positions affiliated with service providers. This funding serves to support the sustainability of the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council.”
- Keith Mooney, Executive Director, Southern Shore Folk Arts Council
Since 2007, the Provincial Government has provided over $158,000 to the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council in support of extensive expansion to the Regional Arts Centre as well as to support improvements to the area’s sea wall and observation area. Additional information on the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council and their events can be found at: www.ssfac.com.
QUICK FACTS
- Provincial Government funding totalling $54,538 will support enhancements to Festival Park in Ferryland, site of the annual Shamrock Folk festival.
- Improvements to the festival site, combined with a reputation for an outstanding lineup of performers, positions the Shamrock Festival as one of the top music festivals in the province.
- Additional information on the Shamrock festival and other Southern Shore events can be found at: www.ssfac.com.
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Media contacts:
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Darlene Dunne Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Keith Hutchings MHA for Ferryland 709-729-1390 ddunne@gov.nl.ca |
| Keith Mooney Executive Director Southern Shore Folk Arts Council 709-432-2052 kmooney@nf.aibn.com |
2014 07 25 4:25 p.m.