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Special Agreement Between CALQ, KRG and Avataq to Assist Nunavik Artists.

Christine St-Pierre, Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women, and Pierre Corbeil, Minister of Responsible for Aborginal Affairs and the Regions of Abitibi-Temiscamingue and Northern Québec, today announced the signing of the first three-year $260,000 agreement to improve the conditions of artists and writers in Nunavik. This support is made possible through a partnership between the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) and the Kativik Regional Government (KRG), which will contribute $150,000 and $110,000 respectively. The Avataq Cultural Institute, a special representative in the field of arts and literature in Nunavik, will manage these funds.

The announcement was made at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, attended by Yvan Gauthier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CALQ, Johnny Oovaut, member of the administrative committee of the KRG, and Charlie Arngak, President of the Avataq Cultural Institute.

"The Québec government acknowledges the commitment of all the partners who helped make this new agreement a reality," Christine St-Pierre said. This agreement will help strengthen the cultural identity of the Nord-du-Québec region by supporting exchanges between artists from the north and south and the production of quality works that all Quebeckers will be able to enjoy."

"This agreement demonstrates the Québec government’s determination to contribute to the overall development of the Nord-du Québec region and shows that it believes in Nunavik’s artistic potential and culture," Pierre Corbeil added. "I am proud of the government’s support, which will improve the socio-economic conditions of Inuit artists and give their entire community access to their works."

"These coordinated financial resources are important for Nunavik’s professional artists and writers. They will increase activities in Nunavik’s art sector, provide better support for our artists, and permit a flourishing of Inuit cultural expression," stated Mr. Oovaut at the press conference.

"Avataq Cultural Institute is extremely proud of this agreement, which is the result of fruitful and positive collaboration between the signatories. The Nunavik Fund for Arts and Literature will support talented artists in a region with limited employment options by contributing to the development of their careers, bringing Nunavik communities and artists closer together, and by providing an extraordinary opportunity for artists to broaden their horizons through the residency program," Charlie Arngak said.

Under the Entente spécifique pour l’amélioration des conditions de pratique des artistes et des écrivains de la région du Nord-du-Québec, secteur Kativik, from 2008-2009 to 2010-2011, $180,000 is allocated to phase I of the Nunavik fund for the arts and literature to help professional Inuit artists and writers carry out arts projects, work programs, and sponsorship and mentoring projects for emerging artists. This support will thus increase the revenue of Nunavik artists and encourage the development and recognition of their artistic careers. An amount of $50,000 is allocated to phase II to allow Inuit artists to do two-month research and creation residencies in Montréal, and artists from other regions in Québec to do the same in Inukjuak. Lastly, $30,000 is ear-marked for the Avataq to hold promotion and dissemination activities, to train and mentor artists and writers, and to manage the Nunavik fund for the arts and literature.

The partners invite Nunavik artists to submit their applications for either of the two phases before March 16, 2009. Artists should contact the following person for more information and application forms:

Martine Dufour, Avataq Cultural Institute,
tel.: 1-800-361-5029 ext 243
email: mdufour@avataq.qc.ca

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