Chairman’s Message

This new issue of the Inuit Art Quarterly shows a broader view of Inuit arts—visual arts, performing arts, literature and more. Inuit art is broadening to other media to express the changes Inuit face throughout their lives and it is the IAQ’s responsibility to reflect this in its pages.

Showcasing Inuit performing artists over the length of the magazine is a first for the IAQ and one I am pleased to see. I am also happy to see the scope of the magazine continue to expand to include artists from outside of Canada. The IAQ offers the opportunity for culturally-similar artists and performers from around the world to learn from each other; we have already featured the important work of Tanya Tagaq in the Fall 2014 issue of our magazine, and showcasing Alutiiq artist Tankya Lukin Linklater and Pia Arke of Greenland helps to expand our own understanding of Inuit performance art within Canada.

The achievements in this issue of the IAQ are only possible because of the hard work of its founding Editor, Marybelle Mitchell. Marybelle dedicated her life to helping Inuit artists, primarily through the Inuit Art Foundation and the IAQ. The work we are able to do now at the Foundation is only possible because of her efforts, so it is fitting that this issue’s Tribute section was reserved to honour her achievements.

On behalf of the Foundation’s board, I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do.