Coast of Bays Arts and Exploration Centre Opens

Tracey Perry, Executive Director of the Coast of Bays Corporation, emcees the opening ceremonies.

Susan Hill leads the singing of "O Canada"

L-R: MP Bill Matthews, Cynthia Kelly-Benoit, Manager of the A&E Centre, MHA Kevin O'Brien representing the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, MHA Oliver Langdon, Wesley Harris, Chair of the Coast of Bays Corporation, and Stan Hill, Chair of the Arts and Exploration Centre Board, at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

The guests view the exhibits


A visit to the winterhouse


Discussing the birch bark canoe

Funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Canadian Heritage and the provincial government, this $1.6 million dollar facility will serve to stimulate the tourism sector of the Coast of Bays through the preservation, growth and awareness of our cultural and heritage values.  

The Centre is the 'gateway' to the region where visitors will be introduced to the region through a cultural exhibition, a video presentation and a demonstration of many life skills that were  required by the early settlers of the Coast of Bays. With a brief knowledge of  how and why people came to the Coast of Bays and an orientation by our knowledgeable staff, the visitor is then prepared to venture out and experience our people, our culture and our heritage. 

The Centre will also be a catalyst to encourage the growth of the visual and performing arts in the region.  The craft store and art gallery provides a sales and awareness venue for the artists in the region.  Over the coming years, the Centre will be holding workshops dealing with such topics as negotiating a recording contract, selling your manuscript to a publisher, publishing your book, recording your own music cd, becoming an actor/actress, writing and protecting your songs and selling your painting or sculpture.

Building on the stories introduced at the Centre, communities throughout the region will develop complimentary attractions for the tourist to add to their authentic experience in the Coast of Bays.  This will ensure that travelers to the region will stay longer and travel farther thereby having a direct impact on our local economy.  

For the Coast of Bays Corporation, this is part of our strategy to diversify the economy of the region.

Sharon Murray accompanies Michelle  Haire and Beth Ryan of Canadian Heritage in the exhibit hall.

Denis Parker of the Newfoundland and Labrador  Music Industry Association has an encounter with Captain Cook.