The Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal, QC, is hosting the three-day Tillitarniit Inuit arts festival from August 15 to 17. This year’s festival is titled home, body, land and will host events including games, storytelling and film screenings. This is the fourth edition of Tillitarniit, which was co-founded and organized by Inuk visual artist and filmmaker asinnajaq. Films being screened this year include Grape Soda in the Parking Lot (2023) directed by Megan Kyak-Monteith and Taqralik Partridge, My Village in Nunavik (1999) directed by Bobby Kenuajuak, Project Chariot (2021) directed by Rachel Naninaaq Edwardson and The Book of the Sea (2021) directed by Aleksei Vakhrushev.

New Group Exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada Includes Works by Jimmy Manning  

On August 2, 2024, the exhibition HOME: A Space of Sharing and Strength opened at the National Gallery of Canada (NGC). The show highlights recent acquisitions made by the NGC between 2020 and 2024 and includes work by Inuk artist Jimmy Manning. Based in Kinngait (Cape Dorset), NU, Manning is known for his photographs that capture everyday life in his community, including landscapes, friends and family. In addition to his photography practice, Manning has also produced drawings, prints and sculptures. His work is included in the collections of the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, QC, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, QC. Manning’s work is featured alongside that of five other artists, with all the pieces reflecting on the idea of home. HOME: A Space of Sharing and Strength is on view until December 15.

Jason Sikoak and Eldred Allen Exhibition on View as part of International First Peoples’ Festival

An exhibition featuring the work of interdisciplinary artist Jason Sikoak and photographer Eldred Allen is now open at La Guilde in Montreal, QC. Titled Time and Tide–While Neither Waits on No One, Both Have Changed, the exhibition, presented in partnership with the International First Peoples’ Festival, examines the realities of Inuit life, specifically Nunatsiavut communities. Sikoak, who is originally from Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, NL, and is now based in Montreal, presents work that reflects on spirituality and colonization, using a variety of materials, including sealskin. Allen, who is also from Rigolet, uses handheld cameras as well as drones and 3D modelling to capture photos of the land around him. Earlier this year, both artists were longlisted for the Sobey Art Award. Time and Tide is on view until September 8 while the International First Peoples’ Festival runs from August 6 to 15 in Montreal. The festival’s programming includes concerts, film competitions, exhibitions, traditional dancing and seminars. 

Musical Duo PIQSIQ Performs at the Mission Folk Music Festival

On July 27, PIQSIQ duo, sisters Tiffany Ayalik and Inuksuk Mackay, performed at the 37th annual Mission Folk Music Festival in Mission, BC. Known as one of BC’s most popular musical events, the festival happens annually and features both local and international musical talent. This year PIQSIQ was the sole Inuit musical group to perform, among a roster of 25 artists. PIQSIQ are known for their Inuit-style throat singing that combines traditional songs and new compositions. Their live performances are inspired by the surrounding environment, often engaging the audience to help guide the direction their songs will take, resulting in every performance being unique.