New years always bring new events, and it looks like this year is chock-full of Inuit and circumpolar Indigenous art happenings across the world. From exhibitions to new books, festivals, anniversaries and annual traditions, we’re bringing together 25 of the events we’re most excited about in 2025.
Read on to learn about the last 5, and keep an eye out for the others in the series to catch all 25!
Pia Arke Old School Map (2) (1992) Pencil, parchment paper and North Atlantic map 64.5 x 47.2 cm COURTESY NUUK KUNSTMUSEUM © THE ARTIST
Reinstallation of Works at the Nuuk Art Museum Nuuk Kunstmuseum
Nuuk, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)
March–May 2025
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Nuuk Kunstmuseum (the Nuuk Art Museum) is unveiling a major reinstallation of its collection starting in March. The first exhibition aims to examine contrasts in scale, pairing miniature and monumental works from its permanent collection. Later installations will bring historical pieces into conversation with contemporary art, spanning generations and styles—from influential artists like the late Pia Arke and Anne-Birthe Hove and members of the Kimik artist association to rising talents such as Inuuteq Storch, Kristian Fly and Martin Brandt Hansen. The reinstallation invites local and international visitors to experience its art in new and exciting ways—a fresh chapter in celebrating art by and for Kalaallit!
Normee Ekoomiak Untitled (Okpik and Spirits Over Camp Scene) (1988) Duffle, thread and embroidery floss 86.4 x 45.7 cm COURTESY WADDINGTON’S AUCTIONEERS AND APPRAISERS, TORONTO © THE ARTIST
Normee Ekoomiak Ottawa Art Gallery
Ottawa, ON
April 11–August 24, 2025
Normee Ekoomiak, opening in April at the Ottawa Art Gallery, honours the artistic legacy of Normee Ekoomiak (1948–2009), an innovative yet underrepresented Inuk artist from Nunavik. Curated by Rebecca Basciano and Taqralik Partridge, this solo exhibition features a remarkable collection of Ekoomiak’s textiles, paintings and children’s book illustrations that vividly capture Nunavimmiut life and culture. Featuring works from private collections and institutions such as the Avataq Cultural Institute and the Ottawa Mission, where Ekoomiak spent his final years, this exhibition invites reflection on Ekoomiak’s distinct creations, which weave personal stories and visual language together in thoughtful ways.
Garments from Arctic Luxe on the runway at the 2024 Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival COURTESY INDIGENOUS FASHION ARTS FESTIVAL PHOTO GEORGE PIMENTEL
Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival Venue TBD
Toronto, ON
June 2025
June 2025 will mark another exciting edition of the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival (IFAF). Building on the energy of its electrifying 2024 show at Toronto’s Eaton Centre, which highlighted the extraordinary talent of Inuit-owned brands like Ujaraatsiaq’s Garments, Taalrumiq, Arctic Luxe and Bibi Chemnitz, IFAF continues to unite designers, create opportunities and celebrate contemporary Indigenous design. The festival often features dynamic runway shows, exhibitions, workshops and a bustling marketplace, spotlighting collections that incorporate Inuit beadwork and sealskin in their show-stopping displays. Don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful celebration of Indigenous creativity, ownership and solidarity in 2025!
Nalajoss Ellsworth as Uki in Nyla Innuksuk’s Slash/Back (2022) Courtesy Mixtape SB Productions © the artist
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, ON, & Various Venues
June 3–15, 2025
The 25th annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival returns in 2025, celebrating a quarter century as the world’s largest Indigenous media arts festival. Running from June 3 to 8 at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto and June 9 to 15 online, the festival showcases Indigenous-created films, videos and interactive works. ImagineNATIVE creates space for Inuit and circumpolar artists to showcase the use of emerging technologies—from VR and gaming to digital storytelling—to break barriers and push creative boundaries. Organizers are calling for submissions until February 7, 2025, and we can’t wait to see which Inuit artists will make up the 2025 festival lineup!
Thomassie Echaluk Landscape of Inoucdjouac (1943) Printer Sipora Aquliak Stonecut 52.7 x 73 cm COURTESY LA FÉDÉRATION DES COOPÉRATIVES DU NOUVEAU-QUÉBEC © THE ARTIST
50th Anniversary: James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement & Taqramiut Nipingat Inc. Nunavik, QC
November 11, 2025
November 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, a historic turning point in advancing Inuit rights to self-determination in Nunavik. This landmark agreement paved the way for the creation of essential institutions such as the Makivvik Corporation, the Kativik Regional Government and the Avataq Cultural Institute. In the decades since the historic signing, Inuit media and broadcasting have flourished, and cultural organizations throughout Nunavik and Quebec are expected to commemorate this momentous anniversary throughout the year. Keep an eye out for our Spring 2025 IAQ issue, where we celebrate this turning point through the lens of Taqramiut Nipingat Inc. (TNI), which has dedicated five decades to connecting communities and serving as a vital platform for Nunavimmiut voices.