The Government of Canada Congratulates the Municipality of Cape Dorset on the Opening of the Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop
The new centre replaces the dated print shop with state-of-the-art work and gallery space for Inuit artists
CAPE DORSET, NU, Sept. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is pleased to congratulate the Municipality of Cape Dorset and the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative on the opening of the Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop in Cape Dorset, the "Capital of Inuit Art."
The Department of Canadian Heritage provided $4.5 million for the facility, while Infrastructure Canada provided $2 million.
The state-of-the-art multi-purpose Centre includes artist studios with facilities and equipment for lithography, etching, drawing and stone cutting; permanent and temporary exhibition galleries; an exterior terrace and sculpture garden; a retail and visitor centre; and a comfortable space for community gatherings and exchange.
Quotes
"Investing in cultural infrastructure enriches our communities, making them more vibrant and connected. The Government of Canada is pleased to support Inuit artists and their truly unique practices. The opening of the Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop means that artists in Cape Dorset now have access to the best equipment and workspaces, and that the living heritage of the Inuit of the Foxe Peninsula can be preserved within the community and shared with all Canadians."
—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"Cultural centres like the one being celebrated today play a key role in developing dynamic communities that celebrate Canada's diverse heritage and creativity. The Government of Canada, along with our territorial partners, are committed to making sure Northern communities obtain the support they need to address local infrastructure priorities. Projects like the Kenojuak Cultural Centre will provide modern amenities for a better quality of life and help strengthen a sense of community, allowing Inuit traditions to be passed on to future generations."
—The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The Kenojuak Cultural Centre bears the name of legendary Cape Dorset artist Kenojuak Ashevak (1927–2013). She was an artistic pioneer, a cultural ambassador and an inspired mentor. Her iconic works of art celebrate the history of this community and are a testament to the importance of Inuit creative expression. While honouring Kenojuak's legacy, this facility is dedicated to the cultural contributions made by generations of Cape Dorset artists. The Kenojuak Cultural Centre is a tribute to Cape Dorset's ongoing role in defining and redefining the celebrated Inuit art of the North."
—Timoon Toonoo, Mayor, Municipality of Cape Dorset
Quick Facts
Cape Dorset—kinngait in Inuktitut—is recognized internationally as the centre of Inuit graphic arts, which have been produced at the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative print shop since its establishment in 1959.
The Centre is named after the late Kenojuak Ashevak, the Cape Dorset artist whose work continues to be celebrated around the world. Her piece "Owl's Bouquet" was reproduced on the Canada 150 commemorative $10 bank note.
Canadian Heritage funding of $4.5 million, announced in 2016, was provided under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation, and supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment and the development of feasibility studies.
Infrastructure Canada funding of $2 million was provided under the Building Canada Fund: Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component (PTIC) – Small Communities Fund. The $10-billion PTIC provides support for projects of national, local or regional significance. Of this total, $1 billion is being allocated to the Small Communities Fund for projects in municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents.
Associated Links
Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For further information: (media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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