Photo: Alianait gets cash injection

Nunavut’s art sector got a generous boost in funding thanks to a $10,000 donation to Alianait’s Emerging Artists Program courtesy of the Royal Bank of Canada. Alianait executive director Heather Daley was on hand to receive the cheque June 2 from Iqaluit RBC branch manager Catherine Lightfoot and regional vice president Jeff Fowler. “At RBC, we believe that investing in the arts is one of the most important things we can do,” said Fowler. “The arts push past the noise of everyday life and serve to inspire.” This was the forth year in a row Alianait has received such a cheque from RBC executives. Daley says the funds will be used to provide training, workshops and employment opportunities for Inuit arts. Alianait’s 12th annual festival is set to begin June 29 in Iqaluit and will feature artists from across Canada, Greenland, Mongolia, Europe and the international circumpolar community. (PHOTO BY STEVE DUCHARME)