Following the annual general meeting on July 2, 2019, the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association (NACA) has a new Board of Directors. 11 out of the 12 positions on the Iqaluit-based non-profit's recently elected board are now held by Inuit, including established and emerging multidisciplinary artists, authors, educators and more.

The Board of Directors will be chaired by multidisciplinary artist Jesse Tungilik with artist Abraham Tarralik serving as Vice-Chair and musician Lucie Idlout as Secretary-Treasurer.

“Artists in Nunavut are some of the most important keepers and practitioners of Inuit culture,” says Tungilik, who recently participated in the Inuit Futures residency at Concordia University in Montreal, QC. “Without them, our communities are less vibrant, prosperous and healthy, but they need support and representation to be successful.”

The nine remaining Directors include author Ceporah Mearns, textile artist and former Inuit Art Foundation Board Member Helen Rose Kaloon, textile artist Annie Petaulassie, jeweller Lavinia van Heuvelen, Tanya Scott, textile artist Lalena Flaherty, Dean of Education, Inuit and University Studies at Nunavut Arctic College Rebecca Mearns, Mary Petooloosie and artist Elizabeth Gordon.

“Nunavut artists are the foundation of the aesthetic of what Canadian art is,” Idlout explains, emphasizing the importance of supporting practitioners at various stages of their careers. “Established and emerging artists impact perception and consumption of art that challenges those who consume, collect and continue to enjoy our art.”

Founded in 1998, NACA supports the Territory's artistic community through development, education, advocacy and more. Planning is currently underway for organization's annual Nunavut Arts Festival, bringing together artists from across Nunavut, to be held from August 20-25, 2019, in Iqaluit, NU.