I’m currently in Fogo Island, Newfoundland, the venue and location for a trailblazing initiative that combines visionary architecture, community cohesion and dynamic economic insight. It is also host to a world renowned Residency Programme offering four different studio spaces, Long studio, Bridge studio, Squish studio and Tower studio – in amazing locations across the island and a hotel that has been voted amongst the top ten hotels in the world, The Fogo Island Inn.
I am on a Churchill Fellowship researching the role of creativity and creative thinking as a force for change and re-envisioning in island communities. (My focus is on Newfoundland and in particular Fogo Island, the Bonavista Biennale and Union House Arts Residency). Here in Fogo residencies are one part of the mix , alongside grassroots community involvement and participation and a focus on supporting the islands economy and well-being.
One of the driving forces behind the vision of Fogo Island Arts is ‘Shorefast’ (a name derived from a practice from the days of the Cod fishing industry) which runs the residency and exhibitions programme as well as a host of other initiatives. It has pioneered the practice of ‘Economic Nutrition’ which demonstrates where the money goes, so that the business side of operations is supportive of ‘people, planet and place, all profits from Fogo Island Inn are returned to Shorefast for re-investment in the local economy’.
My experience of Fogo island has been one of breathtaking landscapes, great hospitality and people and a strong sense of culture and identity. This sounds familiar to where I live. But as well as this Fogo Island is a testament to what creative thinking and community cohesion can achieve.
islandgoingresidencies.art.blog 