FOGO ISLAND -
Through a series of events held on June 1-2 on Fogo Island, Shorefast Foundation tourism initiatives officially moved another step forward.
The launch of the first English-language e-cinema in Canada took place on June 1 with Colin Low, director of the classic National Film Board (NFB) Fogo Island films, attended the event. The Film Studio was built to deliver films from the NFB's collection and screened "The Children of Fogo Island" that evening.
A rock-turning ceremony took place on June 2 for the five-star Fogo Island Inn that is slated to open spring 2012. The 29-room inn will feature furniture and other furnishings made locally and will eventually be home to the relocated Fogo Island Film House, as well as an art gallery and heritage library. The inn will also include a small conference centre, restaurant and rooftop sauna, all designed by award-winning architect Todd Saunders, who is originally from Gander.
The unveiling of the first of six art studios, The Long Studio, took place on June 2 and will welcome artists from all over the world. The studio was designed by Mr. Saunders and was built by local builders and craftsmen.
In January of 2009, in conjunction with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Shorefast Foundation announced a $16 million project - with $5 million coming from the Province and ACOA and $6 million coming from Shorefast Foundation.
"This has been a long time in the making," said Shorefast Foundation co-founder Zita Cobb. "So many people have been dedicated to these projects for a number of years now and to see it all officially take flight is very satisfying indeed."
Ms. Cobb said it was especially rewarding to be able to celebrate with the people of Fogo Island and Change Islands as well as the many supporters, friends and colleagues that came from away to attend the events.
"We hope to attract to the inn all those who are curious, well-travelled and interested in meaningful cultural experiences, as well as the richness that comes from time spent in the sublime, powerful physical world that we are lucky to have on our islands," said Ms. Cobb. "They are people who most likely already seen and experienced the 'hot spots' and 'must sees' in the world and are now looking to go places that are less crowded, less packaged and offer an opportunity to breathe and learn."
The Isles of Notre Dame MHA Derrick Dalley said recent initiatives taken on by the Shorefast Foundation and Ms. Cobb have generated a sense of excitement and new energy on Fogo Island.
"Residents are recognizing unique opportunities and economic activity is quite evident," said MHA Dalley. "New jobs are being created and people have a renewed sense of confidence and pride. I was honoured to participate in the historic rock turning ceremony for the Fogo Island Inn. As a centerpiece of the Shorefast development, the world class inn will boost the economy and provide employment opportunities for residents."
The MHA believes the openings of the Artists Studio and the Fogo Island Film House will promote the culture and history of the area.
"I was very impressed with the showing of the film 'The Children of Fogo Island' at the new Film House and particularly enjoyed the commentary by the local residents in attendance," he said. "As the MHA for The Isles of Notre Dame, I am delighted that our government is supporting the Shorefast Foundation and the great work they are doing.
"Our investment in this development is a strong commitment to the people of Fogo Island and Change Islands and will benefit the entire region. It is a great feeling to be a part of a Government that continues to invest in rural Newfoundland and Labrador and support initiatives to generate economic activity."
MHA Dalley said Fogo Island owes a lot of their present and future success to the Shorefast Foundation and Ms. Cobb.
"Zita Cobb is extremely passionate and committed to what she is doing," he said. "Her warm spirit and refreshing outlook toward the rural way of life is inspiring and has generated optimism and confidence on the island. In my capacity as MHA, I have enjoyed working with Zita and the Shorefast group to further develop Fogo Island and Change Islands."
psnow@pilotnl.ca
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