Kenojuak Centre campaign in Cape Dorset gets $4.5M from feds

A campaign to build a new art centre and print shop in Cape Dorset, Nunavut,receivedan additional $4.5 million funding boost Monday from Canada's heritage department.

Construction on the proposedKenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop is scheduled to begin in the fall.

The facility will include a permanent and temporary exhibition galleries and space for Cape Dorset print artists.

Cape Dorsetsenior administrative officer Ed Devereauxsaid there's more than300artistsin a population of around 1,400, and a new facility will be welcome.

"It means that they are able to continue developing art for the world to appreciate," he said.

"It is amazing some of the work that they do.And to have a facility to be able to do it in like this is basically going to make that legacygo on and on."

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The campaign to build an art and cultural centre is being led by theWest Baffin Eskimo Co-op in Cape Dorset.

TheNunavut community has produced many world-renowned artists, includingthe late Kenojuak Ashevak,who producetheir work using the co-op'sfacilities.

The federal government had previously pledged$2 million in funding from Infrastructure Canada.

The centre is expected to cost more than $10 million.Devereauxsaid an additional $3 million is beingprivately fundraised.

"We still have some privatefundingthat we are in the process of raising and I'm sure thiswillhelp us achieve that,"Devereauxsaid of the recent fundingannouncement.

The centre is scheduled to open by spring 2018.

"Our elders have been waiting a long time for this centre, and the whole community is very enthusiastic about seeing this project built," reads a statement by Cape Dorset's mayorPadlaya Qiatsuk.

"The centre will be a place for our people and visitors to hear our stories and learn more about our ancestors. And it will give our artists better spaces to create, develop their skills, and show our youth and future generations that they can find their own purpose and success in art."