The Development of a Craft Themed Trail Along the Northumberland Shore
The Northumberland Shore Craft Trail Project will provide crafters and artisans in the Northumberland Shore region an opportunity to grow their businesses through the cooperative development and marketing of a themed experience along a designated travel route. This initiative has encouraged the cultivation of a “ready-for-business” arts and crafts industry in the region.
This is a collaborative project directed at highlighting and promoting the artisans of the North Shore and the landscape that inspires them. The Northumberland Shore stretches from Amherst to Antigonish.
The project's initial focus was to develop a logo and tagline to identify and help market the trail as a unique visitor destination. This was followed by the development of a new website ArtisanWay.ca, which is now live and online. The site has interactive mapping that allows visitors to select from a wide variety of art and craft experiences. The visitor can then print a customized map or download it to a PC or hand-held device (i.e.: Blackberry, I-Phone, I-Pod or smart phone). The Artisan Way companion guide is now also available at Visitor Information Centres around around the Province or by requesting one online (thereby gathering a database of interested visitors) as well as being available at tourist bureaus and participating artisan locations.
To kick off the project and celebrate the breadth and depth of talent here, a short video highlighting a sample of art driven experiences has been produced. The video was shot by a local videographer and features original local music. The video is a key component in successfully drawing in visitors and is sure to leave viewers with the feeling of wanting to see the art and area for themselves.
Benefits of investing in the development of a Craft Trail include:
• Increased opportunities for self-employment for artisans and crafters and improved viability of arts and crafts businesses throughout our region
• Rural economic vitality
• Cultural Tourism Product Development and Destination Development
• Direct economic impact through visitation and spin-off business
• Meeting the demand for experiential tourism and handmade/local products
• Introducing artisans to new opportunities and partnerships
Partners
• Antigonish Regional Development Authority (ARDA)
• Centre for Women In Business
• Colchester Regional Development Agency (CORDA)
• Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA)
• Pictou County Tourist Association
• Pictou Regional Development Agency (PRDA)
Visit ArtisanWay.ca
For More Information Contact:
Kate Nelson
Project Coordinator
(902) 752-6159 x. 234
kate.nelson at pictouRDA dot ca
