NEWS JUN 30, 2022 – 1:51 PM EDT
Alianait Arts Festival returns to Iqaluit
The festival has spent the past 2 years adapting to various COVID-19 restrictions
By Meral Jamal
The Alianait Arts Festival is making its comeback in Iqaluit this long weekend.
Running from June 30 to July 3, the festival is bringing artists and the community together through workshops and performances at the Nakasuk School and nearby venues.
It also features performances by Inuit artists from across the territory as well as Greenland. This includes Iqaluit-based hip-hop artist Shauna Seeteenak, Kalaaleq Greenlandic Inuk performance artist Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory and Greenland’s National School of Theatre production Angakkussaq.
This is the first time in two years the festival is taking place in person. COVID-19 restrictions dampened festivities starting in 2020. Alianait’s executive director, Alannah Johnston, said the team is excited for the city to experience the lineup and the spirit of collaboration.
“It’s been fun working together, trying to do this because it’s been years since we had the summer festival and the tent up and evening shows the Nakasuk school,” she said.
“Our amazing crew is on site and they’re building up all the stages for everyone to come to and we’re really excited about that.”
The festival is also focused on sharing and celebrating Indigenous artists this year, which Johnston said is important given the impact of COVID-19 on the arts community.
“It’s completely a collaboration between all the artists involved and I think it’s very important having all the Greenlandic Inuit artists as well,” she said.
“They may be only getting this chance once a year — it’s a rare opportunity and we are trying to create that opportunity [for others].”
A full lineup of events and a link to purchase tickets for the 2022 Alianait Arts Festival in Iqaluit can be found on its official website.
