Open sky will promote works of local artists
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Mar 02/01) - A regional arts festival, to be held in Fort Simpson during the Canada Day long weekend, is building momentum.
Francine Green, co-ordinator of the inaugural Open Sky Festival, said fine arts, crafts, drama and music will all be featured festivities.
"We're trying to make this specifically Deh Cho (arts) because our art forms are different from the other regions," Green explained.
Beyond promoting local artists, another of the festival's objectives will be to preserve vanishing art forms and revive others. For instance, one local artist will demonstrate "finger knitting."
"And that's something that hasn't been done in this area for a long time," Green said.
The opening ceremonies on June 30 will feature regional drummers, bands and productions by theatre groups.
Following the Canada Day parade on July 1, an art exhibition is to be held at the papal site.
The Canada Day weekend was selected because there are many tourists in town at that time, she said.
"If it's successful it will be a good boost to tourism and people will see what is offered in Simpson."
Funding proposals have been submitted to the Canada Day Heritage Fund and to the NWT Arts Council.
In-kind contributions from local businesses are also wanted. To date, the business community and residents in general have been very supportive, she noted.
"The whole community is getting behind us," she said.
To try and keep costs at a minimum, billets are being sought to lodge out-of-town artists. Numerous volunteers will also be needed.
Being the first annual festival, it will be limited to two days this year, but there is hope that it will grow over time.
"It will give us a chance to see what to do and what not to do next time," Green said.
