The Northern Cultural Expressions Society (NCES) is receiving more than $114,000 in federal funding for a three-year market and export readiness project.
NCES is a Whitehorse-based non-profit society that supports young Indigenous artists to develop their artistic skills and build careers in the arts. The organization offers training, wellness programming and other supports. It also operates a retail store featuring work from artists in its programs.
The money will be used to provide business-related training to First Nations artists in the Yukon. The training will include developing a marketing plan and website, and creating a framework for artists to successfully scale-up and launch domestic and international marketing and sales.
The funding announcement was made Aug. 2 by Yukon MP Brendan Hanley. He spoke on behalf of Dan Vandal, the federal minister of Northern Affairs and the minister of PrairiesCan and CanNor.
“The Yukon is home to many talented and innovative artists,” Hanley said. “NCE’s project will allow young artists to build key marketing skills, bringing their art to new markets, enhancing economic prosperity and enriching the cultural fabric of the territory.”
Naomi Crey, the society’s executive director, said the organization has “proudly supported First Nation artists and Traditional Knowledge Holders for 20 years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency for recognizing and valuing the vital contributions these artists make in shaping and enriching our cultural landscape.”
Funding for the project is provided through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency’s Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) Program.
“Our government supports the development of a vibrant and thriving visual arts industry in the Yukon,” Vandal said.
“Through this project, young First Nations artists will build their careers in the arts industry, contributing to cultural tourism, retail sales, and community engagement. Their creative contributions will enrich the cultural landscape and further stimulate economic activity.”
