GNAF festival sees big increase in sales

The 30th annual Great Northern Arts Festival (GNAF) nearly doubled its gallery sales from last year, according to executive director Mary Ann Ross.

Gallery sales reached approximately $96,500 this year, up from approximately $57,000 last year.

"I was really impressed with the sales, even on the first day," said Ross. "I think it went well, there was a lot of positive feedback."

Ross said approximately 2000 people visited the 10-day festival this year.

"Lots of people were coming through, attending the festival, making their trip to Tuk and then coming back to the festival again," she said. "I hope things continue to move upwards for this region, not just in tourism but in other ways as well."

GNAF showcases local and circumpolar art, performances, workshops, screenings and seminars.

This year, Ross said there were a few new additions to the festival, including a collaboration with the Town of Inuvik's 60th anniversary celebrations.

"We had other special events, too, like the emerging art and technology booth, the Inuvialuit living history project, we had the town of Inuvik's mural artist here," said Ross. "It was nice to have different things happening, not just under one roof in the complex, but to get people out and be a part of the community and learn about the culture here."

Elaine Zimmer, co-manager of the GNAF gallery, said she thinks the festival is important to everyone.

"I think its important to the artists, I think it's important to this town, I think it's an important get-together of a community," said Zimmer. "People come to GNAF and they make connections that they never lose."

She said one unique aspect of the festival is the way it allows artists to connect and inspire each other.

"There's a constant sharing of skills here and that's important," she said. "Sometimes in the following year, you can see the effects of artists learning new skills or techniques from other artists at the festival."

Lyn Fabio, Zimmer's co-manager of the GNAF gallery, agreed.

"Sometimes with a group of artists you get a certain energy or alchemy and they just gel and hang out with each other," said Fabio."That happened this year with some of the artists that ended up collaborating."

Fabio said she thinks the festival offers a valuable opportunity for visitors to gain an appreciation for the region's artistic traditions.

"Because you can see the artists, and you can see them working, I think the people who come in to see that find it very exciting," said Fabio. "Sometimes people will come in and say they won't pay $600 for a pair of slippers, but then they see people working on them, or they take a workshop … they realize the value by exposure."