The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is investing $375,000 in a new Arts Economic Development Pilot Program (AEDPP) to help commercial artists in the Northwest Territories (NWT) develop product inventories for sale and/or export products to market.

The AEDPP is part of the GNWT's overall response to the Arts Program Review. It is designed specifically to support professional artists and the arts organizations collaborating with them. The program aims to improve the ability of NWT artists to expand their business beyond territorial boundaries. Marketing programs already provided by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) will not change.

To be eligible for the new AEDPP funding, artists must be NWT residents and demonstrate that they create art for commercial/economic purposes. Eligible professional arts organizations must have a current business licence, be registered in NWT Corporate Registries and/or have proof of compliance and have comprehensive general liability insurance.

Quote:

“The NWT’s arts sector plays an important role in diversifying the NWT economy by providing artists – especially those in smaller communities – with employment choices and income opportunities. This pilot program is another step forward for the GNWT in improving programs and services that foster the growth and sustainability within the NWT arts economy.”

-  Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry Tourism and Investment  

 Quick facts

• AEDPP funding will be administered through department of Industry, Tourism and Investment Regional Offices under the Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Policy
• Applications will be evaluated in the order they are received, and eligible proposals will be granted funding until the allocated budget of $375,000 is fully utilized.
• All products or activities specified in the application process will need to be created between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.
• As much as possible, funding will be allocated equitably across NWT regions.

Related links

• Arts Economic Development Pilot Program (AEDPP)
• SEED Application Form
• NWT Arts – Where to Buy Art
• NWT Arts Strategy Action Tracker

For media requests, please contact:

Drew Williams

Assistant Director, Strategic Communications

Industry, Tourism and Investment

Government of the Northwest Territories

Drew_Williams@gov.nt.ca

867-767-9202 ext 63037