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Winnipeg Art Gallery Inuit Art Centre unveils new name during virtual ceremony – WellandTribune.ca

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The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) Inuit Art Centre revealed its new name during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday called Qaumajuq, which is Inuktitut for “It is bright, it is lit,” celebrating the light that flows into the new building.

This will be the first time a major art institution will carry an Indigenous name in Canada.

It is expected to open next year in February. Admission to the Qaumajuq will be free for all Indigenous people.

“We understand that the history of our Inuit art collection is tied to colonialism in North America,” said Stephen Borys, the gallery’s director and CEO during the ceremony.

“At the WAG through exhibitions, programs and events, we strive to shed light on this history and bring Inuit voices to the forefront through art and storytelling.”

The new 40,000 square-foot building will connect to the WAG on all four levels. Space will include a stunning exhibition, learning and event spaces, a revamped shop, as well as a new café on the main level.

Qaumajuq’s central feature will be the Visible Vault, a three-story high shelf glass display that holds over 5,000 Inuit stone carvings.

To add, the WAG was also bestowed an Anishinaabemowin name during the ceremony. The gallery was given the name Biindigin Biwaasaeyaah which means “Come on in, the dawn of light is here” or “The dawn of light is coming.”

“We see these names as steps along our path into integrating and honouring Indigenous knowledge. The names also reflect the fundamental and critical journey the gallery has been on,” said Borys.

“Indigenous language will have a real, powerful and permanent presence throughout the WAG campus now and in the future.”

These names were decided a group of Indigenous language keepers and Elders as well as the co-chairs of the WAG Indigenous Advisory Circle, Dr. Julie Nagam and Dr. Heather Igloliorte.

The language keepers represent the four regions of Inuit Nunangat including the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. As well, the language keepers represent the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Dakota and the Metis Nation.

The naming initiative responds to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Article 13 and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 14i.

“This naming initiative is significant because as many Indigenous people know, naming and names is a very important aspect of our culture,” said Julia Lafreniere, WAG manager of Indigenous Initiatives.

“A name is something you will carry around your whole life and often precedes you and explain who you are to the world. It carries honour and teachings. I am very proud that the WAG is embracing this tradition.”

Theresie Tungilik, a language keeper with the WAG’s Indigenous Advisory Council noted that the Qaumajuq will be a place where all walks of life will experience through the creation of Inuit art of our survival, hardships and resilience.

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She added that she was honoured to be able to be part of the process for choosing the new name for the centre.

Nicole Wong is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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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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