2011-2012

News Release

REF NO.: 22

SUBJECT: Keynote speakers announced for Culture, Place and Identity at the Heart of Regional Development conference

DATE: September 27, 2011

With more than 60 presenters from around the Atlantic region, Canada and the world, and an artistic program showcasing performers and artists from here and elsewhere, the Culture, Place and Identity at the Heart of Regional Development conference will be an opportunity for the cultural, business, regional development and academic communities to share experiences and insights. 
            Taking place at the Delta Hotel, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Oct. 13-15, the conference will feature nationally and internationally renowned keynote speakers from the arts, development and academic sectors.
            “We are delighted to announce our keynotes who have graciously accepted the invitation to speak at our conference,” said Françoise Enguehard, co-chair of the conference. “They are experts in their areas and we are thrilled that they will be contributing their knowledge to the program.”
            Zacharias Kunuk, an award-winning director and producer, will speak on Inuit perspectives on culture and place. Heiða Kristín Helgadóttir, general manager of Iceland’s new Best Party, will share her thoughts on culture and identity in public policy. Zita Cobb, philanthropist and the founder and president of The Shorefast Foundation, will speake about economic and social revitalization in her home of Fogo Island. An Acadian legend in the theatre, René Cormier has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry. He will be speaking about an inspiring cultural strategy for Acadie. Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe, an associate professor at the University of Limerick and an expert in community development, will share his thoughts on re-invention of community initiatives in contemporary Ireland. Finally, Dr. Elaine Stratford, an associate professor of geography and environmental studies at the University of Tasmania, will reflect on place-based identity.
            The conference will be held in both official languages and will be of special interest to representatives from the arts community, cultural heritage community, the knowledge economy, the tourism industry, academia, government and organizations dealing with regional development. For a full list of all presenters please visit our website listed below.            
            The conference is an initiative of the North Atlantic Forum (NAF), the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF), the Small Islands Cultural Research Initiative (SICRI) and Memorial University of Newfoundland. Registration is now open. To register online, please visit www.naf2011.com.   

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