Artist Exchanges and Workshops

April 2019 – March 2020

Circumpolar Exchange Program: As the only national organization representing Inuit artists working in any artistic discipline across Canada, the Inuit Art Foundation is committed to fostering opportunities for meaningful collaboration between artists. To facilitate the development of a circumpolar artistic network, the IAF is organizing artist exchanges in which Indigenous artists from Canada and other countries in the circumpolar North will attend artistic festivals, residencies or workshops to partake in exciting, significant and impactful experiences. Exchange opportunities will be announced through to March 2020.

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

2019

Under the program, artists Caroline Blechert and Lavinia van Heuvelen recently represented the IAF at the 2019 Nuuk Nordisk Kulturfestival, which took place in Nuuk, Greenland from October 7-13.

2016

The IAF funded a residency opportunity for ceramic artists John Kurok and Pierre Aupilardjuk to work with Shary Boyle at Medalta. The works produced, and their collaborations, were featured prominently in Esker Foundation’s exhibition Earthlings.

2014

In partnership with the Mobilizing Inuit Cultural Heritage Project at York University, the IAF organized an exhibition of contemporary artwork at the Great Northern Arts Festival in conjunction with the Inuit Circumpolar Council meeting, and provided professional development workshops to the artists in attendance.

2006

The Cultural Industries Certificate Program was established. It consisted of ten-day sessions tailored to the specific interests of northern cultural workers, with a focus on networking and business training for emerging arts administrators. 

2004–2005

During the IAF’s annual Arts Alive events, Inuit artists from across Inuit Nunangat and beyond came together for demonstrations, seminars and cultural exchange.

2001–2003

The IAF organized Arctic Workshops for studio training and professional development, including a session where artists were provided technical training by Bill Nasogaluak.

2000–2001

During a two-phase workshop, Nunavik artists visited Kinngait Studios. Led by Pitseolak Niviaqsi, Qavavau Manumie and Rob Harmer, participants collaborated with Kenojuak Ashevak, Arnaqu Ashevak, Kananginak Pootoogook, Pitaloosie Saila and Shuvinai Ashoona to learn printmaking techniques.

1999

The IAF organized the Kitkmeot Carver’s Symposium, a two-week program of studio work, technical training and professional development that culminated in the annual Qaggiq.

1997

Emerging carvers took part in a six-week workshop in Kinngait, led by Okpik Pitseolak. They learned about stone types, tool use, carving techniques, health and safety issues and pricing.

1997

The IAF organized the first Pan-Arctic Women’s Workshop for three weeks of studio and professional development work.

1995–1996

The IAF brought together artists from across Inuit Nunangat to demonstrate their artwork as well as participate in workshops and demonstrations at the annual Qaggiqs, which attracted tens of thousands of visitors over two days.

1994

The IAF brought together Mayoreak Ashoona, Ida Karpik, Okpik Pitseolak, Napachie Pootoogook, Towkie Qarpik and Pitaloosie Saila for a printmaking residency, where they learned etching techniques.

1994

The IAF offered a two-week workshop to the Ujaraqtait Society in Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake) on the safe use of power tools, inlay techniques and health and safety practices.

1994

The IAF organized Beyond Boundaries: Intercultural Sculpture Symposium in Ottawa. Three weeks of exchange between artists culminated in a group exhibition.

1992

The IAF ran a sculpting workshop in Vermont and Ottawa that consisted of two modules: one on quarrying techniques and the other on carving techniques.

1991

The IAF founded the Inuit Artists’ College, a “college without walls” that provides capacity-building training to Inuit. In the inaugural workshop, led by Abraham Anghik Ruben and Ronald Senungetuk, artists learned sculpting techniques and toured local museums.

1991

After surveying Nunatsiavut communities regarding the specific needs of artists and granting local carvers $1,500 to purchase power tools, the IAF held two Power Tool Workshops taught by Mattiusi Iyaituk and Charlie Kogvik that focused on using the new tools and developing economic self-sufficiency.