Location: Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung), Nunavut
Date Established: 1991
No. of Artists: 7
Practice(s) Supported: Weaving, Printmaking
Artists Currently Working: Olassie Akulukjuk, Eena Angmarlik, Kathy Battye, Kawtysie Kakee, Paleah Kunilusie, Madeline Maniapik and Alice Nowdlak
Printmaking and tapestry production in Pangnirtung were amalgamated into connected buildings in the 1990s under the Inuit-owned and run Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts. It is one of only four places in the world where unique contemporary tapestries are made.
Now, the Studio produces commissioned and editioned tapestries, scarves, blankets and rugs, among other items. The Centre also contains an archive of over 8,000 original drawings that provide inspiration for the tapestries and prints created there. Kawtysie Kakee, who has been with the studio since 1975, is currently the Head Weaver.
Piona Keyuakjuk Just a Bird (2016) Wool 81.2 x 66 cm Weaver Anna Etoangat Private Collection
The studio was commissioned to create a 10’ x 22’ mural tapestry for the Great Hall of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly entitled Back Then in 2002. This joined the ranks of other large-scale pieces commissioned from the studio, which hang in the Pangnirtung Airport and the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre.
In 2010 the studio was commissioned by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to create a tapestry for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to represent each Inuit region. It now hangs in the Richmond Olympic Oval where its legacy continues.
Elisapee Ishulutaq Winter Games (2016) Wool 88.9 x 104.1 Weaver Kawtysie Kakee Private Collection
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