Minister speaks at Inuit art store opening in Winnipeg
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, May 30, 2016
WINNIPEG, MAN
The Government of Nunavut is partnering with the Winnipeg Art Gallery to go into the art sales business.
The Inuit art retail space opened in Winnipeg May 25.
"The Government of Nunavut is proud to partner with the Winnipeg Art Gallery," said Economic Development and Transportation Minister Monica Ell-Kanayuk, who spoke at the opening.
"This retail gallery provides another venue for our talented artists to sell their amazing works. This further encourages Nunavut artists to produce high-quality work and market their art across Canada, which allows for greater engagement with Inuit art and culture."
Through the Nunavut Development Corporation, the GN will contribute $75,000 annually for three years to promote Nunavut artists.
This investment is to raise awareness of artists, increase art sales, and create more opportunities for Northern artists, further expanding the economic impact of this incredible art form, according to the news release.
The store, called WAG@The Forks, will feature a mix of shopping and art creation. Nunavut's support grew from consultations on a new Inuit Art Centre in Winnipeg and the role the gallery plays in promoting Inuit art and economic development.
"WAG@The Forks will build new audiences for Inuit art and drive tourism to the North," said Stephen Borys, the gallery's director and chief executive officer.
