Mar 14, 2018 | By Tess
Artists from the Canadian town of Inuvik have been given the chance to learn digital technologies such as 3D printing for the purpose of integrating tech elements into their art. The initiative is part of a 10-week course organized by the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization.
Inuvik, Northwest Territories
(Image: Martin Male / flickr)
Inuvik is a relatively remote town in Canada’s Northwest Territories. With a majority aboriginal population, the town has become something of a hub for Northern Canadian art. Every summer, for instance, Inuvik hosts the Great Northern Arts Festival which brings together more than 1,800 artists from across Canada’s Northern regions as well as from all over the globe.
Now, it seems entirely possible that the upcoming Great Northern Arts Festival will be featuring some unique 3D printed art, courtesy of a group of 10 artists who have been participating in a 10-week technology program
The program, which is being funded by the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Aurora College, and the Northwest Territories government, is aiming to teach local artists about digital technologies such as 3D printing, laser engraving, and digital design.
All of the participants are already involved in the arts in some way, though many of them have never had the opportunity to work with digital media. One artist who is enrolled in the course is Gail Raddi, a craftsperson who is a regular merchant at Inuvik’s Christmas craft fair.
And while the technologies of the program are totally new to her, she is picking them up quickly and with great relish.
“The laser printer I really like,” Raddi told CBC. “Before I came in here, I didn't know nothing about using the illustrators or 3D printers, and now I'm pretty good at it.”
In addition to being a crafter, Raddi works as a Master Cpl. with the Junior Canadian Rangers program. Interestingly, she has even found a way to combine these two professions: by making mini target boards for her Rangers to shoot at.
Artists and organizers of the Inuvik technology program
(Image: Mackenzie Scott / CBC)
So far, the artist tech program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and has garnered a fair bit of attention by locals. Sue McNeil, the manager of the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization, says she has received many phone calls about people who want to participate in the 3D printing course.
She hopes to be able to offer further versions of the course as well as to be able to support the future work of artists that have already gone through the program.
“We want it to be sustainable,” she said. “We want to ensure the 10 people who've gone through are also supported as they move forward.”
The first 10-week 3D printing initiative in Inuvialuit runs until March 23. Once it wraps up, its organizers hope to exhibit the technology-enabled art to the public.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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