Yellowknife (May 16/05) - Ben Nind likes to think of it as the Centre for Northern Arts and Culture.

Since it's based in Yellowknife, it is easy to get the idea the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC) is only for artists in the capital, he said.

After one year as executive and artistic director at NACC, Nind wants to change that perception by adding territorial programs for performing artists.

Nind has already visited Fort Providence, Rae-Edzo, Hay River and Fort Smith to check out their musicians, dancers, actors and storytellers. Next week he visits Fort Simpson and then Inuvik.

"Last year we started making contacts," he said. "This year we will start to see the effects."

Artist-exchanges is high on Nind's to-do list, as is increasing discussions with communities for hosting performances.

As part of this season's line-up at NACC, two groups will perform in Inuvik before going to Yellowknife.

One of those performers is Lorne Elliot, who worked in Inuvik years before he became a comedian-storyteller.

He specifically asked to do a show in Inuvik while he is in the NWT, Nind said.

The upcoming Festival of Stories at NACC is in its eleventh year.

This year, Rene Fumoleau from Lutsel Ke', Jim Green from Fort Smith and John B. Zoe from Rae-Edzo are part of the line-up.

"We recognize performing arts have been alive and well over the years and now NACC is outreaching to fulfil its mandate as a truly territorial centre," Nind said.