Some people believe there is no
economic value in the arts and becoming an artist, following one’s creative
sensibilities, will only end in a life of poverty and struggle. But this
negative belief is simply not true seeing as any rewarding career involves
struggle and even in some of the most remote places in Canada talented artists
are proving that you can make a living from your passion. In Nunavut, like no
other place in Canada, the arts are commercially alive, positively impacting
the economy, and creating fulltime careers in places where employment can be
limited. Nordicity’s (a leading consulting firm specializing in policy,
strategy,
and economic analysis
in the media, creative and information and communications technology sectors) 2010 Economic Impact Study: Nunavut Arts and
Crafts Final Report states:
In only the few generations that
it has existed, Nunavut’s commercial arts and crafts sector has grown to
impressive levels. Through its multiple stages from material supply, to product
creation and wholesale and retail distribution, the sector generates a total
economic impact of $33.4 million annually, leading to 1,068 full-time
equivalent (FTE) jobs – all from a territorial population of 32,558. However,
straight economic metrics such as contribution to gross domestic product and
FTEs do not do Nunavut’s arts and crafts sector full justice. Because of the
occasional nature of arts and crafts production, it is estimated that roughly
3,000 Nunavut residents earn some income annually from arts sales. These arts
sales, which generate in total more than $27 million in direct payment to
artists, eventually result in more than $50 million in end consumer sales, with
more than $30 million generated
through retailers in the rest of Canada (outside of Nunavut) and around the
world.
The art industry in Nunavut not
only creates jobs but also allows Nunavummiut to express their culture and way
of life, creating a cultural bridge to them and the outside world. The report
goes on to assert:
Beyond financial impacts, the arts and crafts sector represents a key
piece of Nunavut society. Arts and crafts production provides more than direct
employment opportunities; it allows Nunavummiut to be both artists and
entrepreneurs in a very self-sustaining fashion by literally creating saleable
products with materials gathered from the land…Nunavut arts and crafts provide
a constantly evolving representation of the land and its people. Nunavut
artists continue to use numerous media – sculpture, tapestries, prints,
clothing, sketches, traditional crafts and jewelry, to name a few – to express
themselves and their lifestyle to the rest of the world. As the territory
continues to evolve culturally, art will provide one outlet to express the
blending of old and new cultures. With
the proper support to provide access to training, materials and markets,
Nunavut’s artists will also continue to translate cultural and artistic
expression into significant economic benefits.
So if you are a closet artist
wishing that you can make a living doing what you love it is possible even in
the most remote areas of Canada. There are many municipal, provincial and
federal grants and programs available for artists. So what are you waiting for?
Take a leap of faith and live the life you want!
If you live in the Wood Buffalo
area and you are looking for ways to start your career as an artist but need
some assistance, the Community Strategies Coordinators working for the Regional
Municipality of Wood Buffalo, are here to help you. You can contact us at
recreationandculture@woodbuffalo.ab.ca or by phone at (780)743-7966.
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is another
great local resource helping artists achieve their goals. Contact Arts Council
Wood Buffalo at:
info@artscouncilwb.ca or by phone at (780) 804-5751.
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