Fogo Island, a remote fishing community in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has been making strides in revitalizing its economy and community. Zita Cobb, a local who made a fortune in the tech sector, has been at the forefront of this transformation. She built the Fogo Island Inn, a luxury inn that employs over 300 locals and reinvests its profits into the community. Cobb also established the charitable trust Shorefast, which supports local businesses and artists-in-residence programs. Now, Fogo Island Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto have announced the launch of the Fog & Mist Residency, a pilot project aimed at fostering cross-cultural exchange and providing a platform for emerging artists from Hong Kong [6cd1d64f] [b4cc5bca].
The inaugural artist for the residency will be Wong Winsome Dumalagan, who will spend the summer of 2024 on Fogo Island. The program seeks to engage artists whose work reflects the dynamic discourses and practices relevant to Hong Kong, bridging diverse cultural perspectives and fostering collaboration across borders. Wong Winsome Dumalagan will receive support and resources from Para Site and Fogo Island Arts to work on her ideas, research, and engage with regional communities. The collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto will facilitate the realization of Wong's project, culminating in a live or public program in 2024 [b4cc5bca].
This residency program adds to the ongoing efforts to revitalize Fogo Island's economy and community. The Fogo Island Inn and Shorefast have already made significant contributions, providing employment opportunities and support for local businesses. The Fog & Mist Residency will further enhance cultural exchange and collaboration, bringing new perspectives and artistic practices to the island. It is a testament to the vision and dedication of individuals like Zita Cobb, who are working towards the sustainable development of their communities [6cd1d64f].