Government of Canada Supports Nunavut's Cultural Sector

News Release

Investment will increase marketing to promote Nunavut artists

January 29, 2015 – Iqaluit, NU – Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council.

Minister Aglukkaq announced today an investment to support the continued development of Nunavut’s arts and craft sector by increasing national and international promotion of Inuit art.

The Government of Canada is providing funding to help promote Inuit artists in national art galleries and museums, as well as in emerging international markets. The funding will also support the development of an Inuit art website, work towards creating a permanent art exhibit at Iqaluit’s new airport and updates to the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association’s (NACA) strategic plan. In addition, NACA will undertake a number of initiatives to increase capacity in the sector, such as an art business-related skills development workshop.

Quick facts

To support this project, CanNor is investing $200,800 over one year, with additional funding coming from the Government of Nunavut ($264,500), Kakivak ($25,000), the Canada Council for the Arts ($20,000), Kitikmeot Inuit Association ($22,911), and Nunavut Development Corporation ($5,000) for a total of $538,211.
A study completed by the Government of Nunavut in 2013 indicated that the arts and craft sector generates an economic impact of $33.4 million annually and provides annual income to 3,000 Nunavut residents.
This investment builds on NACA’s activities over the last four years in implementing Sanaugait, the territorial strategy for the arts and craft sector.

Quotes

"The arts and crafts sector is vital to the culture and traditions of Inuit and forms a cornerstone of the Nunavut economy. To support the continued development of this important sector, our Government is working with the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association to promote the work and talent of Inuit artists across Canada and the world."
- Leona Aglukkaq,
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"The Government of Nunavut is committed to supporting artists in our territory. Arts and crafts are an important part of our heritage and economy. My hope is that this funding will help our artists to be able to work full-time and prosper in this growing field. I applaud the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association for its ability to partner and provide more services to develop, promote and market Nunavut’s talented artists."
- Monica Ell,
Nunavut’s Minister of Economic Development and Transportation

"Our association is thrilled to receive this significant contribution and support from our numerous partners. We see this as a unique opportunity for NACA to continue its good work in supporting our members and developing a strong arts and crafts sector."
- Rowena House,
Executive Director, Nunavut Arts and Craft Association

Contacts

Ted Laking
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
819-997-1441

Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
867-975-3722

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

Matthew Illaszewicz
Manager, Communications
Government of Nunavut
867-975-7818

Rowena House
Executive Director
Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association
867-979-7808

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Government of Canada Supports Nunavut's Cultural Sector

News Release

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