Uqqurmiut Arts & Crafts

Pangnirtung, NU

A stunning and internationally-known Inuit art facility. Artists and craftspeople living in the scenic Baffin Island community of Pangnirtung work to promote and preserve their local culture and to foster the continued development of their artistic heritage. In 1994, the Uqqurmiut Inuit Artists Association, a community-based, not-for-profit business directed by an Inuit board, partnered with the Nunavut Development Corporation to incorporate Uqqurmiut Arts & Crafts.

The Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts was conceived and constructed to serve the Inuit artists. The Centre is situated on the leeside of a mountain, and hence, the Inuktitut word “uqqurmiut” for “the people of the leeside”. The Centre includes facilities and equipment to support the Pangnirtung Print Shop, the Pangnirtung Tapestry Studio, a retail craft gallery, and space for administration and meetings.

Uqqurmiut Arts & Crafts produces tapestries and woven items such as scarves, belts, and blankets, knit or crocheted sweaters, hats, mitts, scarves and more, as well as limited edition prints. Among the most recognized craft items is the famous “Pang Hat” with matching scarves and mitts. These high quality Nunavut-produced fashions are available in a variety of vibrant colours and designs and are sure to make a statement. Prints and tapestries are the most widely recognized fine art items that circulate throughout North America in a well-established network of galleries.

The company supports the production of local arts and crafts through the purchase of these products and the employment of cottage workers. The Centre also works to preserve the fragile artistic record of the culture and traditions of the Inuit of the Cumberland Sound region. It contains an archive of over 8,000 original drawings that document the Inuit culture of Pangnirtung residents. These drawings provide inspiration for the tapestries and prints created at the Centre.

The three buildings of the Uqqurmiut Centre are a significant presence for Inuit arts and crafts in the Nunavut economy. They also provide the community with a major share in one of the most important economic activities on Baffin Island.

Uqqurmiut is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and by appointment for tour groups. We also offer ideal meeting space for groups meeting in Pangnirtung. We are conveniently located in the community near the Auyuittuq Lodge and the Auyuittuq National Park visitor’s centre. Visit our website at www.uqqurmiut.ca