Enhancements will support regional tourism development
October 21, 2014 – Ferryland, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Southern Shore Folk Arts Council has begun renovations to the Regional Arts Centre and upgrades to Festival Park in Ferryland, as part of an initiative designed to improve the overall tourism experience in the Irish Loop region and complement the area’s tourism and cultural attractions.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced close to $52,000 to support the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council’s tourism infrastructure improvements. Work on the Regional Arts Centre will include installing air conditioning in the theatre and office areas, installing new windows in the multi-purpose area and renovating the interior and exterior of the theatre, storage and multi-purpose areas. As well, upgrades to Festival Park will be completed to improve the tourism experience at the annual Southern Shore Shamrock Festival.
Over the past few years, the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council has worked with community and tourism partners in the region to develop a unique tourism experience focused on the arts, the area’s rich Irish culture and theatre. This now includes a dinner theatre, a concert program, a multi-purpose programming room and linkages to the area’s activities and attractions, such as whale and iceberg boat tours, kayaking, hiking and archaeological experiences.
Quick Facts:
- Enhancements to the Regional Arts Centre are expected to increase accessibility and available space for activities and functions and allow concurrent functions to take place.
- The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is contributing $51,844 towards the project.
- The Southern Shore Folk Arts Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing the unique culture and arts community of the Irish Loop Region.
- The Southern Shore Folk Arts Council hosts cultural events such as the Southern Shore Dinner Theatre and the annual Southern Shore Shamrock Festival.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support the work of the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council to improve on Ferryland’s tourism infrastructure. This initiative will support economic growth and employment in Ferryland by enhancing the community’s tourism assets and development, and complementing other key activities in the entire Irish Loop region.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“We are very excited to be moving ahead with work to upgrade the Regional Arts Centre in Ferryland. These renovations will greatly enhance a key piece of tourism infrastructure in our community, which will help us continue to build on the excellent cultural and tourism activities and attractions along the Irish Loop. ”
- Keith Mooney, Executive Director, Southern Shore Folk Arts Council
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Kelsie.Corey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Julie.Afonso@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Keith Mooney
Executive Director
Southern Shore Folk Arts Council
709-432-2052
kmooney@nf.aibn.com
