QANUQTUURNIQ: A Project by Embassy of Imagination and MU

July 25 - August 11, 2016, Montreal, Quebec

2360 Rue Ontario East, Habitations Coupal

Qanuqtuurniq is a public mural in Montreal by Cape Dorset, Nunavut youth artists. The mural engages viewers to appreciate the value of these artists' perspective and creativity, rejuvenating the artistic and cultural exchange between the north and the south. The project gives the youth artists a powerful experience that reinforces their talents and provides them with training for their future in the arts.

As the second Embassy of Imagination travelling mural project, Qanuqtuurniq amplifies the youth voices of Nunavut, which are too often unheard or not self-represented. The mural contributes to the rich collection of public murals in Montreal. It will remain for years to come, continuing to instigate dialogue and beautify the city.

“Qanuqtuurniq” is an Inuit societal value meaning to be innovative and resourceful.

ARTISTS: Saaki Nuna, Tommy Quvianaqtuliaq, Johnny Samayualie, Salomonie Ashoona.

YOUTH MENTORS: Parr Josephee, Susan Rowsell

MURAL ASSISTANTS: Seayenna Lee, Aidan Price-Bottenberg

FACILITATORS: Alexa Hatanaka and Patrick Thompson

We would like to acknowledge the funding support of the Canada Council for the Arts, TakingITGlobal, and the generous donations of: Paul Desmarais III, Eric Boyko, Simon Dupéré, Stéphanie Larivière, Fabrice Morin, Thomas Cockburn, Daniel Forest, Julie Godin, Sacha Haque, François Lafortune & Anna Chif, Grégoire Baillargeon and Pamela Jarrett. Thank you to Maison Jean Sauvé for the in-kind accommodation, and First Air for flight discounts. Thank you to Christine LaLonde, Kevin Nearing and Dakota Michaud, The Cutts Family, Pascale Arpin, Jason Botkin and Amy Peebles.

Qanuqtuurniq! Photo by Olivier Bousquet.

Unveiling Event August 9, 2016. Left to right: Aidan Price-Bottenberg, Seayenna Lee, Alexa Hatanaka, Susan Rowsell, Saaki Nuna, Tommy Quvianaqtuliaq, Johnny Samayualie, Salomonie Ashoona, Patrick Thompson. Photo by Olivier Bousquet.

Unveiling Event August 9th, left to right: Aidan Price-Bottenberg, Seayenna Lee, Alexa Hatanaka, Patrick Thompson, David Joanasie (MLA South Baffin), Susan Rowsell, Saaki Nuna, Johnny Samayualie, Salomonie Ashoona, Elizabeth-Ann Doyle (Director, MU)… — Unveiling Event August 9th, left to right: Aidan Price-Bottenberg, Seayenna Lee, Alexa Hatanaka, Patrick Thompson, David Joanasie (MLA South Baffin), Susan Rowsell, Saaki Nuna, Johnny Samayualie, Salomonie Ashoona, Elizabeth-Ann Doyle (Director, MU), Anie Samson (City Councillor), Tommy Quvianaqtuliaq, Esther Giroux (OMHM). Photo by Olivier Bousquet.

"BEFORE" Back: Left to Right: Salomonie Ashoona, Parr Josephee, Alexa Hatanaka, Patrick Thompson, Tommy Quvianaqtuliaq, Seayenna Lee. Front: Johnny Samayualie, Saaki Nuna.

THE UNVEILING EVENT.

PAINTING PROCESS

NATIONAL GALLERY TOUR WITH CHRISTINE LALONDE. The youth has a chance to see the artwork of their family member's and community in exhibition and in the vaults.