Showcasing the Arts in Nunavut
News Release
New skills training will help Nunavut artists take advantage of increased demand and opportunities
May 4, 2017 – Iqaluit, NU – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor announced an investment of $456,000 to assist with the professional development and marketing of Nunavut artists.
The Nunavut’s performing arts sector is getting increasing national and international recognition due to the talented Inuit artists working in the music and performing arts industries. This investment will help the Qaggiavuut Society train artists in marketing and product development so they can better manage and promote their own careers and take advantage of opportunities from arts festivals to movie production companies. Artists will also learn to prepare and market their portfolios to make the most of the increasing business opportunities emerging in the tourism industry.
Quotes
“The arts have always been an important part of Nunavut’s culture. By assisting in the development of those pursuing careers in the performing arts industries, the Government of Canada is providing economic opportunities for Nunavummiut so all Canadians can see and experience their unique culture first hand.”
Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
“Investment in Nunavut’s artists will bolster our performing arts industries. These additional funds will help our entertainers enhance their talents to better participate in Nunavut’s economy. The Government of Nunavut is excited to share our culture and talents with the rest of the world.”
Monica Ell-Kanayuk,
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut
“Our artists are the greatest resource we have to protect language, culture and values. The more we can help artists to make a living, the stronger we are as a people and an economy.”
Vincent Karetak,
Chairperson of the Qaggiavuut Society
Quick Facts
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CanNor is investing $456,000 over two years towards this project, with the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation adding $300,000, the Canada Council for the Arts $121,000 and the Qaggiavuut Society $118,000. The total funding is $995,000.
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In 2016 the Qaggiavuut Society won the Arctic Inspiration Prize for its Qaggiq project, a strategy for strengthening the Inuit performing arts.
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The Qaggiavuut Society assists performing artists such as contemporary and traditional musicians, actors, storytellers, and cultural performers. They also work with performing artists on the technical side of the industry, including lighting, sound, production, makeup, costume design and more.
Associated Links
Contacts
Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains
Karl W. Sasseville
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region
867-975-3722
Government of Nunavut
Eugenie Kwok
Manager, Communications
867-975-7818
Qaggiavuut Society
Ellen Hamilton
Executive Director
867-222-5270