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IGLULIK - Performers with Artcirq traveled to Paris, France, earlier this month. They were scheduled for one performance during their journey. The reception was so positive, however, that they ended up staging four shows, displaying their unique mix of traditional Inuit games, modern circus clowning, drumming and throat singing.

The troupe was hosted by the Paris-based Inuksuk-Inuit Cultural Centre, an organization dedicated to promoting Inuit culture in France.

Guillaume Saladin holds Jimmy Qamukaq aloft. Saladin broke his finger in an athletic move similar to this during one of the Paris performances. - photo courtesy of Helen Halatcheff

The performances included an appearance before Canada's ambassador to France, Marc Lortie. They entertained at a ceremony at the Canadian Embassy, where an inuksuk constructed by Inuit artist Peter Irniq was unveiled. Irniq's visit was hosted by the embassy to mark the tenth anniversary of Nunavut.

"We hope to work with them again for another visit to France in the fall," Artcirq coordinator Cara Di Staulo said, referring to their collaboration with the cultural centre. It was the Iglulik performers' second trip to France and came on the heels of a performance in Mexico earlier this year.

The group is also preparing for some domestic dates, including a Ski-Doo expedition from Pond Inlet to Clyde River this spring.

"It will take a couple of days so they will have to live off the land," Di Staulo said. "It's a big experiment."

Artcirq is producing music and video this year, as well. Their second album, titled Inuit World Beat, is scheduled for a 2009 release. The album is a follow-up to their debut album, Artcirq Jam. It is inspired by the youths who travel with the group.

The performers next film, shot last October, is also in production. Pitaqangittuq is a mocumentary set in a fictional Nunavut town about the way residents adapt to the rapid climate changes affecting the North.

Artcirq is scheduled to perform on Aboriginal Day in Ottawa in June and and at the Alianait Festival in Iqaluit and the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik, NWT, in July.

"It's very expensive to go on the road to present shows. But, there's only so many shows we can present in Iglulik," Di Staulo said. "We're always looking for funding."

Artcirq has performed in Africa and is exploring the possibility of a trip to Greece to appear during some festivals next fall.

Artcirq formed as a non-profit initiative to promote suicide prevention in the territory and has since expanded its mandate.

"Artcirq has broadened its focus to help give youth new skills to help them build their dreams so they can believe in themselves and give the communities hope through positive role models," Di Staulo said.