ABSTRACT
Art Encounters on the Edge describes the exhilarating experience of standing on a rugged shoreline off the easternmost coast of Canada and discovering contemporary artworks nestled into the spectacular surroundings. Located in small fishing communities on the island of Newfoundland, Bonavista Biennale is a large-scale international contemporary art exhibition presented every two years in historic buildings and the landscape of the Bonavista Peninsula. Embedded within the existing cultural context, the Biennale brings together artists, visitors, and local residents in a shared experience of creative revitalization. This chapter provides an overview of Bonavista Biennale: its history, mission, and social impact. It outlines the steps and considerations needed to build such an event, the kinds of venues used as exhibition sites, and the conversations that develop between local culture and contemporary art. Part of a larger trend towards cultural tourism and sustainability in the Bonavista area, the Biennale is an example of how the power of art can spark discussion and stimulate economic growth in remote corners of the world.
