Alianait festival begins work on 2014 line-up

Pangnirtung accordion player Simeonie Keenainak and other Nunavut musicians perform at Nakasuk school as part of Alianait’s 2011 edition. 2014 will mark the festival’s 10-year anniversary. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

Think you have what it takes to entertain a crowd at Nunavut’s largest music festival?

Alianait Arts Festival is accepting applications now for its 2014 edition, which will mark the festival’s 10-year anniversary, set to run from June 27 to July 1 in Iqaluit.

“There will be four full days of activities in the big top tent,” said Alianait’s executive director Heather Daley, referring to the festival’s iconic venue.

“Program planning is in very early stages but you can count on a great festival to celebrate 10 years,” she said. “There will be lots of great music, circus, a film event, visual arts, children’s activities and storytelling.”

Excluding local artists, Daley said the festival should secure about 25 performers — more than half of whom will be northern.

“Northern” has to do with where the artists reside and also the content and style of their work, Daley explained.

Applicants should send Alianait a description of who they are, highlights from past performances, some sample music tracks, photos and links to their online profiles.

Southern performers have until Dec. 24 to submit their applications, while northern performers must have theirs in by Jan. 24.

“We have a jury of volunteers who review all of the applications… to come up with a strong, diverse program that will appeal to our community members,” Daley said. “We also like to present a good mix of seasoned professionals and emerging artists, and we always include circumpolar artists in the line-up.”

The 2013 edition of Alianait drew more than 5,000 spectators, the festival’s largest turn-out ever.

Festival-goers came out to see performers like Australian didjeridoo play Tjupurru, Toronto acapella group Eh440 and Greenland folk rockers Nive Neilsen and Deer Children.

The battle of the band competition crowned talent from across the territory, including rapper Brian Tagalik, Arviat duo Agaaqtok Eetak and Calvin Pameolik and Abraham Tudalik.

Daley said applications have been steady over the last few years, with the festival receiving anywhere between 80 and 100.

All Alianait performers are offered round-trip travel to Iqaluit, accommodation, per diems and performance fees. Daley said this year’s performers will be notified some time in March 2014.

Applicants can apply here.