Jul 5, 2013
IQALUIT, Nunavut (July 5, 2013) – A new group of arts programs will offer assistance to artists, arts organizations, schools and summer camps as well as fund music production, the Government of Nunavut announced today. In addition to this positive news for Nunavut artists, the Government of Nunavut is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts to provide professional Nunavut artists access to travel contributions.
"We’ve heard from performing artists and authors, among others, that they need support and we’re taking action," said Peter Taptuna, Minister of Economic Development & Transportation. "The Arts Development Program will provide all artists and art forms with opportunities to develop professionally, access new markets and innovate. It realizes our commitment in Tamapta: Building Our Future Together to increase support for culture and the arts."
The partnership between the Government of Nunavut and Canada Council for the Arts enables a stronger relationship between the two arts funders. It results in increased funding for artist travel. This fiscal year there will be an extra $50,000 in the program for travel from the Canada Council for the Arts. In 2014/15 there will be an additional $75,000 and in 2015/16 there will be $100,000.
"The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to helping Nunavut artists increase their visibility and ability to access opportunities within Canada and internationally," said Robert Sirman, Director and CEO of the Council. "The Council’s contribution to this partnership will enable professional artists from all disciplines to travel in order to make new connections, deepen their artistic practice and access professional development opportunities. We believe this support will help them access new markets and reach more Canadians with their work."
