Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

IQALUIT
The new home of the Nunavut Media Arts Centre is currently just a foundation pad, poured almost two years ago. Now, the centre is $200,000 closer to becoming a reality.

Bernadette Dean, left, vice-chair of the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation and board member Theresie Tungilik accept a cheque for $200,000 from Kivalliq Inuit Association treasurer Donna Adams earlier this month. - photo courtesy of the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation

On Nov. 17, the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) committed to donating to the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) for the construction.

IBC submitted proposals more than a year ago to the three regional Inuit associations, and with this recent contribution, all three have come through.

"It's always a nice surprise when it actually happens," said Debbie Brisebois, executive director of IBC. The proposals were part of the Nunavut Media Arts Centre's fundraising strategy. Qikiqtani Inuit Association provided the land for the building and $100,000, and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association contributed $200,000.

"We're proud to be joining the Qikiqtani and Kitikmeot Inuit associations in supporting the exciting Media Arts Centre project. It's clear that Inuit everywhere in Nunavut want this to happen," said KIA treasure Donna Adams in a press release.

Currently IBC is in a bit of a standstill for the next phase of the Nunavut Media Arts Centre. As part of the corporation's fundraising strategy, it hope to approach foundations and corporations.

"Unfortunately, we need resources to do that," said Brisebois.

IBC is currently waiting to hear back on proposals to the Government of Nunavut and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) for resources.

"We have a rather impressive advisory committee for fundraising, who are all quite ready and waiting to help, but it is a voluntary committee and we need to be able to provide them with materials," she said.

The committee consists of six people: two in Iqaluit, one in Yellowknife, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. Brisebois said all members have unique talents and connections they can lend to the project.

The committee has not physically met, yet, with a ll discussion being done through e-mail. Brisebois said they hope the have a face to face meeting in Iqaluit soon, another expense that can be assuaged by resource funds.

The journey continues to take time. The process leading up to the development of the foundation alone was extensive, going through the environmental reports and plan developmental plans with architects. "We have the foundation, now we need the building, then all the stuff to go in the building," said Brisebois.

The new building hopes to be more public friendly, and will not be much larger than the centre's current home at the old Government of Nunavut Fisheries and Oceans building. Brisebois said the space will be used much more efficiently. Some programs will have the potential for a studio audience as well Brisebois said they hope to have a gallery and performance area.

"It's our way to support performing arts in Nunavut."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.