Message from the Board

This winter, the IAF participated in several initiatives that promoted Inuit artists and their work throughout Inuit Nunangat. Read the updates here to discover how the IAF is fulfilling its mandate to support the development of Inuit art.

As we kick off our 2018 publishing calendar with the Spring issue on bone, I’d like to take this opportunity to look back on the accomplishments of the Inuit Art Foundation over the last few months. Since taking ownership of the Igloo Tag Trademark in July 2017, our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the program is able to serve Inuit artists to their maximum benefit. To do this, the Foundation has begun a broad series of consultations with artists, art dealers and other stakeholders to discuss the future of the tag, including two productive consultation sessions held at this year’s Northern Lights Conference in Ottawa, ON. In tandem, the Inuit Art Quarterly has also launched its Artist Subscription Program, providing Inuit artists with easy access to the IAQ and its unique and celebrated coverage. Finally, the winter season saw the return of the Virginia J. Watt Scholarship, given to a Canadian Inuk who demonstrates an interest in Inuit art and cultural studies. As a jury member, I am delighted that Nancy Saunders is this year’s recipient, and I look forward to following her career over the coming years.

As we prepare to wrap up our 30th anniversary year on June 2, 2018, I am encouraged by the hard work and dedication that has brought the Foundation to this point and excited for what the next 30 years hold. In the spirit of looking forward, I am pleased to present you with our Spring issue. Enjoy!