YELLOWKNIFE (September 23, 2014) – The skills and talent of Northwest Territories artists will be showcased during NWT Arts Week, September 20–28. Residents and visitors are invited to participate in events taking place throughout the territory. “NWT artists make significant and valuable cultural contributions to communities across the territory,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay. “In addition, their work showcases the NWT to the world as a culturally rich travel destination and a place of artistic excellence.” “It is imperative that we continue to support our arts and cultural communities,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty. “They are vital to our Northern identities and reflect our cultures, languages and traditional lifestyles. It is especially encouraging to see many of our youth celebrating their culture through artistic expression, further contributing to cultural revitalization and promotion for the North.” Some of the events being held to celebrate Arts Week across the NWT include:

• Trashformations Exhibit Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Auditorium, Yellowknife. Museum hours. September 21-27

• Workshops, craft demonstrations, snacks and door prizes All communities in the Beaufort Delta Region. September 22-26

• Panel Discussion- Marketing Your Art Northern Frontier Visitors Center, Yellowknife. 7 – 9 pm. September 24

NWT Arts has also launched a new Facebook page that highlights local artists and shares their diverse collections of crafts, clothing, media arts and more. In addition to contributing to the preservation of culture, tradition and language, the NWT Arts sector also contributes to a strong, diversified economy in all NWT regions and communities and is highlighted as an area of strength to build on in the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) supports artists with programs and funding from the Departments of ECE and ITI. A list of events scheduled during Arts Week is available at: www.nwtarts.com 

Media inquiries:

Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: leslie_campbell@gov.nt.ca

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca