A Knitting Economuseum for Change Islands

Stages and Stores, Inc.

In the planning for a long time, the building is now completed, the exhibits of the history of knitting are ready, and the museum opened in early July 2011. The idea for the Economuseum grew out of the Stages and Stores Heritage Foundation, established in 2001 to preserve the traditional crafts of Change Islands and promote the unique fishing heritage structures of outport Newfoundland. The Foundation also undertakes cultural and economic development business projects to support the preservation of outport heritage by establishing an online craft store; knitted goods are the principle craft.

 

The popularity of the knitted goods led to an invitation by the Atlantic Economuseum Foundation to submit an application to establish an Economuseum that combines culture, craft and tourism to create an economic platform for craft artisans practicing traditional techniques to help local crafts survive and create new jobs. These museums feature an authentic, traditional technique or ‘know-how’, highlights artisans, art trades, and artistic skills; adheres to the highest quality standards, and offers the public an animation and interpretation .

The Change Islands Knitting Economuseum, based on the established model developed and practiced in Quebec for 20 years and more recently (1997) in the Atlantic Provinces, supports cultural tourism, and showcases traditional Newfoundland and Labrador heritage crafts. There are currently 18 members in the Atlantic Economuseum Network (AEN) with plans to double that membership in the next few years.

The Knitting Economuseum physical structure will house the essential components of all Economuseum – reception, interpretation of history and contemporary production, documentation/reading area, and a crafts boutique. In addition, unlike other typical Economuseum, it invites visitors to observe knitters in their home studios, creating an authentic learning experience.

This unique initiative builds on the knitting heritage and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, the traditional Change Islands strengths in arts and crafts, and the experience and knowledge acquired by the knitters of Change Islands and Stages and Stores over the past ten years in operating a modern enterprise based on traditional values.

Contact information hbown@stagesandstores.com and www.stagesandstores.com
 

The opening was attended by the Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable David Johnston.

Here he is together with Vice-chair of Stages and Stores Foundation Maureen Woodrow.