Igloolik Recreation Department and the Artcirq Performance Collective unveil the “Black Box”: a new training and performing space in Igloolik, Nunavut
Written by Cara Di Staulo, Isuma-
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Isuma
Igloolik, February 2, 2012 – With the support of the Nunavut Government Department of Language, Elders and Youth (CLEY), the Igloolik Recreation Department and the Artcirq Inuit Performance Collective have transformed part of the curling rink at the Igloolik Kipsigak arena into the “Black Box”: a new training and performing space open to the entire community.
After 12 weeks of renovations and hard work, the Black Box was unveiled on January 15th when local groups and guest artists from Iqaluit and Greenland performed for the community during the annual Return of the Sun celebrations. The Black Box was at full capacity for the event as children and adults came to see Artcirq perform with traditional Greenlandic dancers N.A.I.P. (Nuummi Aliikusersuisartut Isiginnaartitsisartullu Peqatigiiffiat), as well as singer-songwriter Rikka Egede and Iqaluitmiut Sylvia Cloutier. The evening also included performances from local favourites: the rock bands the “Hazers” and “Kikkukia”.
In total, 9 artists travelled from Nuuk to Igloolik for the performance. From January 10th to the 17th they also took part in a creative residency and cultural exchange with Artcirq members, which also included open workshops in Greenlandic traditional dance and circus for Igloolik children, teenagers and adults.
Previously used for storage, the Black Box is now a fully equipped training and performing area open to the entire community. Anyone is welcome to use the facility for cultural and physical activities including band practice and concerts, circus performances or wrestling classes.
Artcirq is presently using the Black Box to give open workshops in the circus arts to children and teenagers. The troupe is also using the area for regular training to develop a new show for upcoming performances at the International Polar Year 2012 Conference in Montreal as well as for the Inuit Studies Conference 2012 presented by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.
Artcirq president and co-founder Guillaume Saladin said: “We just proved once again that with volunteer work, willingness and little bit of money, we can create something amazing for the whole community. We would like to thank our different partners who contributed to the success of this project: First Air, the Éloize Foundation, the Tujurmivik Hotel, LRT Construction, and all the volunteer workers.”
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Artcirq is an artistic youth collective that utilizes a unique creative process which integrates theatre, music, video and circus arts with traditional and modern Inuit performance styles. Artcirq aims to give its members the space, the skills and the opportunities to express themselves and to celebrate their heritage. Members share their Inuit culture with the world through local and international performances, workshops, music and video productions.
For more information contact: Guillaume Saladin, Artcirq president and co-founder:
Tel.: 867-934-8033
Cell: 514-581-8033
E-Mail:
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Web site: www.artcirq.org