Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
July 27, 2010
New Tapestry Exhibit Officially Opened
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
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Media contacts:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
|
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 728-9623
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 697-2156
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca |
Joan Simmonds
Program Manager
French Shore Historical Society
709-622-3500
frenchshorehs@nf.aibn.com |
2010 07 27
2:10 p.m.
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