YELLOWKNIFE (March 18, 2014) – The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has launched an improved and rebranded NWT Arts Program that will provide the foundation for the future marketing and promotion of NWT arts and fine crafts to local, national and international markets.

“Growing global interest in Canada’s Northwest Territories offers an opportunity to realize increased markets for NWT artists,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “In the interest of regional economic growth and diversity, we are working to strengthen and promote potential markets for this very important sector of our economy, and to enable NWT artists who wish to participate in this growing global marketplace.”

A main element of the Program is a new website (NWTarts.com) that enables visitors to discover and learn more about the diversity, value and authenticity of NWT art. Its streamlined layout and easy-to-navigate functions are designed to quickly connect users with registered NWT artists, retailers and organizations.

NWTarts.com also features an extensive online inventory of artist profiles and NWT art, all professionally captured, catalogued and registered. The new website is also a networking tool and forum for NWT artists and organizations to connect and engage.

Additionally, point-of-sale materials, educational brochures, and marketing materials such as tags and stickers, are available at no cost for artists registered with the NWT Arts Program. A redefined branding program will help customers recognize and distinguish authentic NWT art in the marketplace.

Engagements guiding the development of the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy highlighted the need to increase demand and distinguish and promote NWT artists and their products in the marketplace. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is responding to the recommended actions in the Strategy to establish a recognized and trusted branding program, develop a means to promote and protect NWT art in local, national and international markets and increase the profile of both the NWT and its art by promoting and celebrating NWT artists as an element of the NWT’s tourism market.

For more information, please contact:

Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-920-8696
Email: alayna_ward@gov.nt.ca