Yellowknife (April 3, 2025) – Effective April 1, 2025, the Northwest Territories (NWT) Arts Council and arts funding programs that are currently administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), will transition to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI). 

This move combines all the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) arts programs under one department. The goals of this amalgamation are to clarify funding programs, simplify the application process, and create a single point of service for NWT artists and arts organizations. 

Through this transition, GNWT arts programs will operate as usual to ensure no disruption to clients. Over the coming year, ITI will explore how best to align its arts programs to best serve the arts community for future sustainability and growth. 

For media requests, please contact: 
Melvin Leonard
Assistant Director, Strategic Communication
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 767-9202 ext. 63038
Email: ITIcommunications@gov.nt.ca