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Wabanaki art takes centre stage in Fredericton – CBC.ca

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Hundreds of Indigenous artists made their way to Fredericton this week, to celebrate Wabanaki art, to network and to showcase their own talent at the Petapan First Light Symposium this weekend.

The conference is just what Indigenous artists needed, said Jeff Ward. 

“This is for the artist by the artist, and I think it’s so important for us to share our stories,” said Ward, 48.

He’s L’nu, Mi’kmaw for person of the land, from Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation and now lives in Membertou First Nation on Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island). Ward made the 643 km trip because he thinks networking and funding are still barriers for Indigenous artists but events like this can create pathways to meeting those shortfalls. 

Information Morning – Fredericton13:53Indigenous art in Atlantic Canada

Petapan is a major arts symposium opening today in Fredericton, and it features the work and performance of more than 150 Indigenous artists in Atlantic Canada.

Ward is an actor as well as the general manager at the heritage park in Membertou, where they sell authentic Indigenous crafts. 

“My day-to-day business is to work and promote art, and I need to see what’s out there, and who’s out there,” said Ward. 

He attended the film festival part of the event Friday with his uncle George Paul. Ward said he was inspired by the films showcased and hopes Indigenous actors can be featured in big budget films in the future. 

Asha Bear is a filmmaker and student at the University of New Brunswick. She is also an entrepreneur and beaded the earrings she’s wearing. (Oscar Baker III/CBC)

One filmmaker who got to make her debut at the film festival is Asha Bear, who is Wolastoqew and Mi’kmaw from Neqotkuk First Nation in New Brunswick. Her film Indigenous Identity screened at the Friday event on St. Thomas University campus. 

The film is a personal story of Bear’s and features her mother and sister as actors in the short film.

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“It’s about my journey with my Indigenous identity and what I went through,” said Bear, 26. 

“My grandmother is a residential school survivor, so growing up I didn’t really get much like culture or anything like that. It’s just really about how I became who I am today, and embracing my Indigenous identity.” 

Her grandmother was forced to attend the Shubenacadie residential school n Nova Scotia. Now, Bear is learning to dance sing and drum and runs a beading business.

Petapan runs June 9-12. Corrina Merasty, one of the organizers, is Cree from Mathais Colomb First Nation in northern Manitoba but has lived in the Wabanaki region for decades. She said the event is about learning from one another. 

About 30 vendors set up in downtown Fredericton to sell crafts. (Oscar Baker III/CBC)

“We’re all coming together as a real way to connect, to network, to celebrate and think about what we’re going to do in the future,” said Merasty, who is also the Indigenous arts outreach officer with ArtsNB. 

Events include a fashion show, art exhibits, medicine walks, an Indigenous vendors market and a film festival. Organizers covered the cost of travel, lodging and food for the artists. Merasty said the event cost close to $500,000 and was funded by the Canada Council through Mawi’Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective.

Corrina Merasty is an Indigenous arts outreach officer with ArtsNB and was on the planning committee for the Petapan First Light symposium. Merasty is also a filmmaker and actor. (Oscar Baker III/CBC)

Merasty is an actor and filmmaker herself and said the arts are meaningful to her life. 

“I can’t live without the arts.” said Merasty.

“Arts has saved my life, to be honest with you. And that’s what I try to spread.” 

Vendors at the market sold Indigenous crafts, artwork and fabrics. (Oscar Baker III/CBC)

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com

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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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