Journey North: The Inuit Art Centre Project Book Launches at WAG-Qaumajuq

Release commemorates the official opening of Qaumajuq

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty 1 Territory, April 22, 2021:  The Winnipeg Art Gallery is proud to announce the launch of Journey North: The Inuit Art Centre Project. The book release commemorates the official opening Qaumajuq, the Inuit art centre at the WAG. Written by Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG Director & CEO, Journey North shares the story of this landmark museum and building project.

Tracing the history of the centre, the illustrated publication gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at key figures, milestones, and groups who helped form Qaumajuq, beginning with the establishment of the WAG in 1912, and the first addition to its Inuit art collection, now the largest of its kind in the world.

Journey North shares diverse historical and contemporary perspectives on the development of the centre through a collection of essays from across the country. These contributions are featured alongside a compilation of renderings and photographs that colour the story of this extraordinary project bridging Canada’s North and South.

Quick Facts:

• In addition to the key essay by the book’s author Dr. Stephen Borys, several voices highlight different accounts about the Gallery, the Inuit art collection, and the building project: Abraham Anghik Ruben, Barry Appleton, Iwan Baan, George Baird, Senator Patricia Bovey, Dr. Ernest Cholakis, Dr. Darlene Coward Wight, Pat Feheley, Dr. Heather Igloliorte, Julia Lafreniere, Michael Maltzan, Dr. Julie Nagam, Natan Obed, and Richard Yaffe.
• The book includes more than 400 images: architectural renderings of the Inuit Art Centre by Michael Maltzan, a selection of Arctic photographs taken by Iwan Baan and Hazel Mouzon Borys, a series of construction images by Winnipeg Free Press photographers Mike Sudoma and Mike Deal, and finished building photographs by Lindsay Reid.
• The 288-page, hardcover publication with dust jacket is now available at both ShopWAG locations (Gallery Shop at 300 Memorial Blvd and WAG@The Forks in the Johnson Terminal) and online at shop.wag.ca.
• The book will also be available at McNally Robinson Booksellers, 1120 Grant Ave, Winnipeg.

About the Author:

• As Director & CEO of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq, Dr. Stephen Borys oversaw the building project from inception to reality, leading the capital campaign, architectural program, and construction phase, culminating in the grand opening in March 2021.
• Dr. Borys holds an Executive MBA, and degrees from McGill University, University of Toronto, and the University of Winnipeg.
• He previously held curatorial positions at the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, Allen Art Museum, National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Architecture. He serves on several national and international museum association boards.
• Dr. Borys has organized numerous exhibitions, published extensively in both museum and scholarly publications and has lectured across North America.
• In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and was awarded the Order of Manitoba in 2020.

Quotes: 

“This book documents the creation of a new museum, made possible through the incredible generosity of a community of donors, partners, and supporters. To these individuals, families, businesses, and governments—thank you. Journey North is dedicated to Inuit artists from across Inuit Nunangat who have inspired us to build Qaumajuq. The Inuit art centre is their stories shining brightly, and their voices heard.”

— Dr. Stephen D. Borys, Director & CEO, Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq

“Cholakis Dental Group is proud to support Journey North as the presenting sponsor. This publication marks a pivotal moment in the history of the WAG: the opening of Qaumajuq, the Inuit art centre. The development of this unique and special space is reflected throughout these pages—a place for all people to come together and to learn from one another, to better understand and build relationships across communities. Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible project: Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG staff, and volunteers; and all of the many philanthropists, corporate partners, and community members who have given to Qaumajuq.”
— Dr. Ernest Cholakis, Chair, Board of Governors, Winnipeg Art Gallery; and Managing Partner, Cholakis Dental Group

Support
Journey North is made possible with the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Cholakis Dental Group, Supporting Sponsors the Winnipeg Art Gallery Foundation and The Winnipeg Foundation, and printer Friesens Corporation.

Associated Links

WAG-Qaumajuq
shop.wag.ca

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #atwag #qaumajuq365

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Amy Rebecca Harrison
Engagement Supervisor
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1347
aharrison@wag.ca

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (the WAG) is a cultural advocate using art to connect, inspire, and inform. Playing a dynamic role in the community, we are a place for learning, dialogue, and enjoyment through art. The WAG holds in trust the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. To celebrate the art and to honour the Inuit, the WAG built Qaumajuq, the Inuit art centre. Opened on March 27, 2021, the centre bridges Canada’s North and South through exhibitions, research, education, and art making. To learn more visit wag.ca

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