May 29, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, NWT artisans and filmmakers make a positive economic and cultural impact on our territory, and today I would like to highlight some initiatives to support and grow the arts, crafts and film sectors.

Through the office of the Film Commission, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has been working closely with the NWT film industry over the past year.  Last year, the GNWT met with film and media arts representatives to review the territorial film industry.  They identified the need for a fully interactive and information-rich website to promote filming and film industry services in the NWT.

ITI has now developed this website, in collaboration with the newly-formed NWT Professional Media Association. I am pleased to say the finishing touches are being put on the site as we speak and we are planning its launch in the next few weeks. This site will be a “go to” resource for the film industry both in and outside of the NWT.

Not only will it promote the NWT as a filming destination and provide production companies with information on filming here, it will also promote the local film and media arts industry by showcasing their credentials through a film supplier’s guide. This guide also contains listings of local businesses that provide specific areas of expertise, products and services to assist film productions on location in the NWT.

Local filmmakers can also check the site for information on other resources such as funding programs.

We know better than anyone that there are talented filmmakers at work throughout the Northwest Territories. I would to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate Mr. Andrew Silke, whose short film, Amelia, was selected to screen at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France. Everyone in the cast and crew was from the Northwest Territories and the production was filmed here.

Providing support to the arts and the film industry is a joint effort between ITI and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. ITI provides support to NWT businesses, including those involved in film production, through its Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy. I am pleased to say the Department funded a significant portion of Mr. Silke’s travel costs to attend the Cannes Film Festival, where he is today.  ECE provides support to the film industry through the NWT Arts Council and Northern Film and Media Arts Contributions programs, and also made a funding contribution to support this project.

The last time this Assembly met in February, I committed to reviewing the idea of developing a diamond jewellery skills program for local artists.  ITI is looking into options for developing a jewellery workshop or something similar.  The workshop would build on local artistic talents and provide a new skill set for NWT artists who are interested in using raw and processed materials available in the NWT.

It could also help to raise the profile of locally made jewelry products.  Focusing on small-scale opportunities to support the local arts sector is an important element to grow this sector.

ITI invests nearly $1 million annually into the Arts and Crafts sector. Of this amount, approximately $600,000 is under the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy. Through the Policy, funds are distributed to over 150 artists and community groups hosting art festivals throughout the NWT. Remaining funds are geared towards promoting and supporting NWT artists in various ways through the NWT Artists Database, the Arts Branding Logo Program, community workshops, and other arts promotion.

Mr. Speaker, we all want an economy that is diversified and provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Supporting programming for the NWT film industry and the arts and crafts sector is one way to maximize opportunities and support economic diversification of the NWT, a key goal of this Assembly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.