Inuvik (Mar 21/05) - Panic ensued last week as artists trying to meet the application deadline for the Great Northern Arts Festival met with a busy signal and full voice-mail box at head office.

"It made me really anxious, I really wanted my fax to go through," said visual artist Philip Toasi who was trying to meet the March 15 deadline.

Toasi, who participated in the Midnight Sun arts festival in Yellowknife from 1993-95, said that every time he tried to send his application there was a busy signal. His colleague Jorgen Klengenberg also hit a busy signal. After attempting unsuccessfully to telephone the office and even call the co-ordinator at home, Toasi resorted to calling Inuvik businesses and asking if they could receive the fax and deliver it for him.

"I'd be really disappointed not to be able to attend this year."

Mellissa Schab, board member for the festival, blamed the problems on a change in staff and office location.

"Northwestel is working on transferring the phones over right now, but it's not fixed yet," she said.

A new co-ordinator will be in place to make sure the July 15-24 event runs smoothly, she said.

Applicants or those with questions can contact Maureen at (867) 777-8638 or send a fax to 777-8601.

Due to the confusion, the deadline for applications will be extended, Schab said.

"But I would say get it in as soon as possible."