Inuit artists to learn about navigating modern art world at Ottawa conference
Second Isaruit Creators Conference will be held in Ottawa Wednesday through Saturday with speakers from across Inuit Nunangat
Beverly Illauq, left, the founding co-ordinator of Isaruit Inuit Arts in Ottawa, stands with her daughter Aliqa Illauq on International Inuit Day in 2022. Isaruit is hosting a four-day creators conference this week in Vanier’s Rideau Hub. (File photo by Madalyn Howitt)
Inuit artists and performers are expected to gather in Ottawa this week for a free, four-day event focused on Inuit art, culture and knowledge sharing.
Hosted by Isaruit Inuit Arts, the creators conference will be held Wednesday through Saturday at the Rideau Hub in Ottawa’s Vanier neighbourhood.
Various artistic disciplines will be showcased including film, photography, revitalizing the art of traditional Inuit tattooing, and performances such as throat singing and drum dancing.
Ten Inuit vendors will also be featured at an artists’ market on Saturday.
The conference will be presented predominantly in Inuktitut, with English interpretation.
This year’s theme, Manilaaksiuniq or Navigating Rough Ice, reflects the challenges Inuit artists face in the modern art world.
“The theme is about what it takes for Inuit to keep journeying to live in traditional ways, because you always come across a patch of rough ice,” said Beverly Illauq, founding co-ordinator of Isaruit, which was formed to provide a meeting place for Inuit artists in Ottawa. “What do you do with that rough ice? You find the way through it.”
Throughout the event, creators will discuss the evolving landscape of Inuit art, its valuation, and the impact of market forces on local carvers.
Panel discussions will include filmmaker John Houston and sculptor Ruben Komangapik exploring the recognition of Inuit art. Workshops will include an alabaster-carving demonstration by sculptor Manasie Akpaliapik, along with sessions on intellectual property and sewing techniques.
A key feature of the conference will be the inclusion of country food. Each day, attendees will get to enjoy traditional dishes including fish from Clyde River, grey seals from the Magdalen Islands, as well as bannock and palauga.
Isaruit has faced its own version of rough ice, including financial challenges and having to find a new location in March 2024. With support from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, the organization now has a new seven-room suite in the Rideau Hub, located in the former Rideau High School on St. Laurent Boulevard, offering more space for workshops and the conference.
Presentations will be recorded and uploaded to Isaruit’s YouTube channel.
FYI: Bannock and Paulagaa are the same meaning. Inutituriutsalauritsi.