Arctic Adaptations: Nunavut at 15 Exhibition Makes Canadian Debut

News Release

Government of Canada announces funding for the Winnipeg Art Gallery

March 6, 2015 – Winnipeg – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is providing funding of $84,216 to the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) for the circulation of the exhibition Arctic Adaptations: Nunavut at 15. This support is being provided through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, made the announcement today at the public opening of the exhibition at the WAG.

Quick Facts

Federal funding is supporting the Canadian launch of the exhibition at the WAG and its subsequent tour to the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse (June–August 2015), the West Vancouver Museum (October–December 2015) and the Illingworth Kerr Gallery at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary (January–March 2016).
Arctic Adaptations: Nunavut at 15 is a celebration of Nunavut’s 15^th anniversary. Seen through the lens of architecture and design, the exhibition presents the historical and modern realities of Nunavut and a future vision of life in Canada’s North. It aims to increase understanding of how architecture can help support vibrant Northern communities and includes interactive architectural models, photographs, topographical maps of Nunavut and specially commissioned works by Inuit carvers.
The exhibition explores 100 years of architectural history in the region and showcases innovative architectural designs rooted in Nunavut’s distinct land, climate and culture, and reflecting local traditions of migration, mobility and seasonality.
Arctic Adaptations was first presented as Canada’s official exhibition—as selected by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada—at the prestigious 2014 Venice Biennale in Architecture. It was honoured with a Special Mention.

Quotes

“Arctic Adaptations: Nunavut at 15 provides a unique glimpse into the distinct history of the majestic North. By touring this exhibition, Canadians will have the chance to learn about the people of the North and how their adaptations to landscape and climate have shaped our great nation. Canada has a rich history, and our Government is proud to support opportunities for Canadians to discover our collective heritage.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“The Winnipeg Art Gallery is grateful to the Government of Canada for making possible the national tour of Arctic Adaptations: Nunavut at 15. This team-based project, initiated by Lateral Office, supports the WAG’s mission to engage more audiences with Inuit art and culture. This mission will be further enhanced as we continue to work with partners to develop the Gallery’s new Inuit Art Centre.”

—Dr. Stephen Borys, Director and CEO, Winnipeg Art Gallery