Support for traditional economy

Ulukhaktok Artists Learn the Business-Side of Art

News Type: 
Blog Entries

Ulukhaktok artists are better positioned to sell their special artwork to residents and tourists following two “Pricing Your Art” workshops presented by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. The workshops took place on March 22, 2017 and drew 17 artists from the community.

With the next season of cruise ship visitors just around the corner, participants learned how to calculate the market value of their handmade arts and crafts, which involves calculating the value of the materials, time and labour involved.

Eugene Rees, ITI’s Economic Development Officer and Regional arts Working Group representative in the Beaufort Delta Region, facilitated the workshops, with the assistance of Ulukhaktok EDO Janet Kanayok.

“In many cases, artists were surprised at the value of their work once they factored in the cost of raw materials and their time. Many of them had been charging significantly less that market price. As a result of the workshop and continuing to raise awareness, artists will begin earning wages that reflect the true value of their work,” Eugene explains.

NWT artists can learn more about programs and support available at www.nwtarts.com or by contacting their Regional ITI Office.

ITI is proud to help NWT artists to market and promote their work, support their business aspirations and enhance this important economic sector.