Government Investments in Arts Initiative Support Economic Development
News release
Internationally-renowned mural artists to gather in Botwood for the 2018 Global Mural Arts and Tourism Conference
July 25, 2018 – Botwood, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
In 2017, Canadians welcomed a record of 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is vibrant from coast to coast to coast, as one in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Investing in tourism in both big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada is essential to growing this important economic sector for Canadians. By investing in our tourism sector, we attract new visitors, grow businesses and create new ones, generating economic growth.
The federal and provincial governments are providing more than $61,000 in funding to support the Botwood Mural Arts Society to host the 2018 Global Mural Arts and Tourism Conference in Botwood from September 12 to 15. The conference will attract delegates from around the world to celebrate and discuss the important role that mural art plays in economic development and making communities stronger.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays–Central–Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced a $36,541 contribution from ACOA’s Business Development Program. Jerry Dean, MHA for Exploits, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, announced $25,000 in provincial funding. The Town of Botwood is also contributing $10,000 towards this initiative.
The Global Mural Arts and Tourism Conference is an international event held every two years and attended by some of the world’s best mural artists and experts. This year’s conference offers a rare opportunity to showcase the significant artistic, historical and cultural assets in Botwood and surrounding communities, as well as provides an opportunity for visitors to experience Central Newfoundland, a growing multi-season tourist destination. The government funding will support marketing activities, promotional materials, workshops, and meeting facilities and equipment rental.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in arts and cultural initiatives stimulates economic growth and helps strengthen and diversify our communities. Through strategic investments like this one with the Botwood Mural Arts Society, our government is supporting a unique approach to economic development while also promoting and preserving our culture and heritage.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I want to congratulate the Botwood Mural Arts Society for being chosen to host the prestigious Global Mural Arts and Tourism Conference and I commend their efforts to promote community murals as a valuable tool for economic development. This initiative will build on the great work being undertaken by the society to share Botwood’s rich history through breathtaking murals and to position the town as a world-class mural art tourist destination, while also creating a vibrant and proud community where residents and visitors are eager to live and visit.”
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays–Central–Notre Dame
“The 2018 Global Mural Arts & Tourism Conference is wonderful way to showcase Botwood and the province to the world. Engaging local artists into tourism growth opportunities aligns with The Way Forward’s Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan, to increase people and program-based experiences to existing infrastructure. I commend the Botwood Mural Arts Society for the initiative to extend the depth and breadth of visitor experiences, while increasing spending and economic benefit to the region.”
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“I am proud and pleased today to be associated with our municipal, provincial and federal governments in supporting the significant cultural and historical work of the Botwood Mural Arts Society. As a former Mayor and lifelong native of Botwood, I applaud the Society for their boundless determination in preserving Botwood’s legacy. Since 2010 when the Society presented the initial mural portraying life at the old cottage hospital, a total of eight superb murals have been created throughout Botwood depicting a range of times past, from the Beothuk people to the central Newfoundland timber industry. After eight years of diligent labour, the Botwood Mural Arts Society is on the verge of achieving their mission statement of establishing a world-class mural arts tourist destination. I look forward to joining with the society’s many volunteers in welcoming international visitors to our community this fall.”
Jerry Dean, MHA for Exploits
“Our mission statement is to create a world-class mural art tourist destination in Botwood. It’s a goal that fills the need for culturally sustainable economic development practices with tangible and lasting visual evidence of the rich diverse history of our community. We are very pleased to have the support of three levels of government in assisting us in this endeavor.”
Mike Shainline, President of Botwood Mural Arts Society
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Mike Shainline
President
Botwood Mural Arts Society
709-257-3632, 290-1901
m.mshainline@nl.rogers.com