The northern arts and culture sector is facing significant challenges, with organizations — north and south — struggling due to a loss of advocacy, support for funding, and participation in major events. The 2021 closure of the Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association offices highlights the need to rebuild capacity and support structures for artists and cultural sector entrepreneurship initiatives.
In 2021, the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association (NACA) found itself on precarious ground, its future uncertain amid mounting debt and organizational disarray. Once a cornerstone for promoting visual artists and culture in Nunavut, NACA’s struggles led to the closure of its Iqaluit office and a cessation of core funding from the Department of Economic Development and Transportation (EDT). Governance issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, further complicated matters, leaving the organization teetering on the brink of unofficial defunction.
A lack of oversight from the territorial government and systemic governance challenges compounded the organization’s woes, highlighting broader structural issues within Nunavut’s governance framework. Despite efforts to address these challenges, including inquiries from legislators, a resolution remained elusive, leaving NACA in limbo.
The cessation of government funding dealt a severe blow to NACA’s ability to fulfill its mission of supporting Nunavummiut artists. The loss of core funding from EDT, coupled with the absence of clear strategic direction and communication from NACA’s leadership, left the organization adrift. Yet, the importance of arts organizations like NACA cannot be understated, particularly in a region where over thirty-five percent of adult Inuit identify as artists. The arts not only serve as an economic driver but also play a vital role in bolstering mental health and well-being within communities.
Questions continue to linger about the future of the territory’s arts sector. Despite assurances from EDT about ongoing commitments to supporting the arts, the absence of robust and functioning organizations like NACA threatens to leave a void in the Nunavut and Manitoba arts and cultural landscape.
Today, a Google search reveals that the “Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association is permanently closed,” reflecting the end of an era for a once-vibrant institution that championed Inuit art and culture. Stakeholders in the sector continue to reflect on the legacy of NACA and contemplate pathways forward for the regional arts sector.
The closure of organizations like the Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association also exacerbates information asymmetry within the arts and culture sector. With fewer advocacy groups and support networks in operation, artists and cultural initiatives face greater challenges in accessing vital resources and staying informed about opportunities. This widening gap in information availability further hinders the sector’s ability to thrive and innovate, underscoring the urgent need for renewed efforts to address these disparities and rebuild support structures.
These arts and culture sector challenges compound existing barriers and pose significant obstacles to business development across regions that have been identified by organizations like the Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce (KCC). In its 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, KCC identified the lack of business capacity, encompassing skills such as business planning, accounting, and computer literacy, among current and aspiring entrepreneurs, hinders the establishment and growth of new ventures.
As well, the inability to raise startup capital further constrains entrepreneurial growth, stifling innovation and economic diversification. Additionally, limited growth in the number of new and young entrepreneurs underscores the need for targeted initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and cultivate a supportive environment for business growth. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial skills, facilitating access to financing, and nurturing a culture of innovation and enterprise within the region.
The revitalization of boards within the arts and culture sector, particularly in regions like the North, necessitates dedicated capacity building efforts over an extended period. With organizations facing overwhelm, apathy, potential closures and a raft of other operational challenges, there is a critical need for fresh perspectives and expertise to rejuvenate governance structures. However, achieving this goal requires more than just recruitment; it demands retention, combined with ongoing training and development to empower new members with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective leadership.
Investing in long-term capacity building initiatives will be essential for ensuring the sustainability and vibrancy of arts organizations in the North and beyond.
