Investment will increase marketing to promote Nunavut artists
IQALUIT, NU, Jan. 29, 2015 /CNW/ - 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
Associated Links
CanNor invests in Cape Dorset Arts Community
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=862799
CanNor Invests in Nunavut's Traditional Economy
http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1387380127391/1387380208137
CanNor Invests in Nunavut's Cultural Industries
http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1389626619417/1389626741337
For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca
For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca
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.
SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq : Ted Laking, 819-997-1441; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency : Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722; Government of Nunavut : Matthew Illaszewicz, Manager, Communications, 867-975-7818; Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association : Rowena House, Executive Director, 867-979-7808
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