HAY RIVER (April 19, 2022)
The Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA) is excited to inform the community that an artwork installation at the Hay River Regional Health Centre promoting Northwest Territories (NWT) artists is now complete. The exhibit showcases 28 traditional arts and fine crafts from artists across the South Slave Region including Hay River, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, K’atl’odeeche First Nation, Enterprise, Fort Smith and Kakisa. In addition to these regional pieces, one painting was created by a Behchoko artist and donated to HRHSSA, specifically for the midwifery program.
This long-awaited project was first imagined in March 2021 when HRHSSA began a partnership with the NWT Arts Program, Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment (ITI) South Slave Regional Office to incorporate artwork of regional artists into the Hay River Regional Health Centre. After a year of many challenges and roadblocks connected to COVID-19, the display is complete and encompasses a sense of culture to the walls and common areas of the Centre.
Patients and visitors of the Hay River Regional Health Centre are encouraged to view these displays and join us in recognizing and celebrating the talent and culture of the communities we serve.
To learn more about the NWT Arts Program and where to buy NWT art, visit NWTArts.com .
Quote(s)
“We are committed to working with local Indigenous leaders and the residents of Hay River and surrounding communities to ensure our health facilities are safe and culturally appropriate spaces for everyone. The goal of the project was to improve the patient and provider experience and to begin the process of improving culturally safe delivery of care at the Hay River Regional Health Centre.”
- Erin Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer (HRHSSA)
“The NWT Arts Program is committed to working with community organizations to bring artwork into spaces where audiences can learn more about the value of art and connect with artists that are registered with NWT Arts. Displays such as this one in the Hay River Regional Health Centre, are a tangible way to showcase artists and artwork of the region. Featuring real pieces enables the viewers to see the intricacy of the work, appreciate the value that it holds, and creates a desire for them to purchase a piece of their very own from the artist or a local retailer.”
- Johanna Tiemessen, Manager, Arts Programming and Traditional Economy (ITI)
“It is very exciting to see artwork from the talented artists of the South Slave Region in a facility where visitors and artists can appreciate it. These displays enable artists to proudly see their work on public spaces and know NWT Arts helping them market their work. It also enables visitors to see the beautiful work created in our region and connect with artists to purchase a piece directly from them or through a local retailer. It is win-win for all partners.”
- Melissa Johns, Business Programs Officer, Trade & Investment (ITI)