Abstract

This thesis offers a comprehensive exploration of the art systems in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and their evolution over time. It investigates how the history of promoting, exhibiting, and funding northern art has significantly shaped the current artistic climate for NWT artists. Through a multi-faceted approach, the research delves into the unique aesthetics of the NWT, examining the impact of materiality, critical craft theory, and the terminology used to categorize art and craft, and how these factors influence the reception of NWT art.

The thesis also analyzes the transformative event of the 1999 division of the NWT and Nunavut territories, which left an indelible mark on all aspects of northern life and played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of the North. A unique focus is placed on the development of Inuit art, tracing its historical trajectory and, notably, the findings from the carefully compiled resource, "Visual Arts in the Northwest Territories: A Timeline" (Appendix A), created during the course of this research.
In addition to historical and artistic analysis, the research provides an in-depth examination of the current NWT arts landscape. It investigates the intricate relationships between arts organizations, the local community, and cultural policy, highlighting their collective impact on the contemporary arts scene. Moreover, the thesis offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that NWT artists confront in their creative endeavors within the territory today.

In summation, this thesis offers a nuanced and comprehensive view of the art history and current artistic environment in the Northwest Territories. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the region's distinctive artistic identity, the socio-political influences that have shaped it, and the challenges faced by NWT artists in the present day.