Money will help to support the work of Inuit artists

Nunavik has a new fund for arts and literature, thanks to a three-year deal for $260,000 signed last week in Quebec City.

The money comes from the Quebec arts council and the Kativik Regional Government. The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec is giving $150,000 and the KRG $110,000.

The Avataq Cultural Institute will manage the fund.

"This agreement demonstrates the Quebec government's determination to contribute to the overall development of the Nord-du-Québec [northern Quebec] region and shows that it believes in Nunavik's artistic potential and culture," Quebec's native affairs minister Pierre Corbeil said at the signing ceremony at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. "I am proud of the government's support, which will improve the socio-economic conditions of Inuit artists and give their entire community access to their works."

Of the $260,000, $180,000 will go to help professional Inuit artists and writers carry out arts projects and work programs. This money will also be used to help new artists with sponsorship and mentoring projects.

The next $50,000 will allow Inuit artists to participate in two-month research and artistic residencies in Montreal and support artists from other regions in Quebec to do the same in Inukjuak.

As well, $30,000 is earmarked for the Avataq to train and mentor artists and writers as well as manage the new fund for the arts and literature.

Artists have until March 16 to submit their applications to Avataq (www.avataq.qc.ca) for money from the fund.