The Canadian Crafts Federation received a special invitation to join
representatives of the Canada Council for the Arts in a mission to
Iqaluit, Nunavut.  From June 26th to July 1st, 2010, CCF/FCMA
Administrative Director, Maegen Black, flew to Iqaluit to participate in
special meetings and events organized by our partner organization, the
Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association.

First
and foremost a research mission, our presence in Iqaluit allowed for
first hand insight into the workings of the Nunavut craft community.

 

Canada Council and CCF/FCMA staff were able to meet with artists and
organizations deeply engaged in artistic practice in the region. Visitors
also took in cultural performances at the Alianat Festival (including
music, dance and film both traditional and contemporary), visits to
artists studios, museums and galleries, and the activities of the
Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association’s Summer Cultural Festival
(including a craft fair and lecture series for artists and organizations
alike).

Meetings were also held with Nunavut Tourism and the
Baffin Region Chamber of Commerce lead to the discussion of potential
projects in the region.

 

Overall, the mission provided the CCF/FCMA with the opportunity to
learn about and engage with the community, which led to improved
communication and a better understanding of how our organization can
work with our partners in Nunavut. Inroads were made toward future
projects, and partnership with the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association
will lead to the hosting of our annual conference in Iqaluit during the
summer of 2011. (Watch for more information on this in the future!)

 

The CCF/FCMA would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts for
making this mission possible through their generous support.

Special
thanks are also extended to Ms. Rowena House and the board of the
Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, who were warm and welcoming hosts.