Back in March, ArtBridges posted about the Cape Dorset Mural Project. Toronto artists Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson were raising funds for a trip to Cape Dorset, Nunavut after being invited to collaborate with local artists in the creation of the community’s first outdoor mural. The pair reached their fundraising goal and spent two months in the Nunavut community. While there, they led a series of youth workshops that culminated in an art show and the painting of 10 wildlife-proof recycling bins. The outdoor mural will be installed this April, covering the community’s CO-OP building. It was created with local artists Audi Qinnuayuaq and Parr Etidloie.

Youth artists that created the wildlife-proof recycling bins include: Ruth Jaw, Sylvia Ottokie, Ataumie Nungusuituq, Naomi Parr, Mary Ann Adla, Livina Toonoo, Elizabeth Qatsiya, Latch Akesuk, Jolly Akesuk, Miazie Joanasie, Putugu Kinguatsiak, Audi Qinnuayuaq, Tiivi Saaki, Kellypalik Ashoona, Amaula Tapaungai, Isabella Suvega, Charlie Tunnillie, Parr Etidloie, Alisa Allooloo Qimirpik, and Saila Pudlat.

Alexa and Patrick would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario, and the Chalmers Family Fund.

Special thanks to: Steve Ferrara of Well and Good, Aaron Skoblenick, Mike Soares and the PSS staff, Bill Ritchie, Miss Danick Clavel, Kinngait Studios, First Air, and everyone who contributed to the Indiegogo Campaign

Alexa Hatanaka says:
“We are very excited to be heading back to Cape Dorset for February and March this winter. I have the honour of being artist-in-residence at Kinngait Studios for three weeks in February while Patrick begins the Embassy of Imagination workshops, and I will join in the workshops for the month of March.

With generous support from the Government of Nunavut’s Arts Development Program, we are bringing photography equipment, printmaking materials, and painting supplies to combine with our knack for repurposing materials from the dump. Patrick and I are thrilled to facilitate engaging and inspiring workshops for the youth of Cape Dorset, who have already impressed us with their great talent last year. These youth are set to rejuvenate the world of Inuit art in their own way, so stay tuned to see what they create.

This June-July 2015, we are bringing four Cape Dorset youth to Toronto to collaborate with four young artists from Oasis Skateboard Factory on a outdoor mural to coincide with the Pan Am & Parapan Am Games. With the help of our fantastic partners, the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, the youth will achieve an unprecedented work of public art.

To see last year’s work please visit www.embassyofimagination.com, and we are launching an instagram @embassyofimagination for up to date posts!”

Read the original post:
Artists Raise Funds for Cape Dorset Nunavut Mural Project

Contact:
embassyofimagination@gmail.com
www.embassyofimagination.com

Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson:
www.pasystem.org

More photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickevoke/sets/72157645563285016/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickevoke/sets/72157644370757145/

– Cora-Rae Silk, Indigenous Community Arts Coordinator & Communications Assistant
Posted with permission from Patrick Thompson & Alexa Hatanaka