Making space for
Inuit performing artists
History
Qaggiavuut is an Inuit-led cultural organization founded in Iqaluit in 2012. We exist to support Inuit performing artists and to protect Inuit culture through the arts. For Inuit, art has never been separate from community life. It is how knowledge and survival is shared, identity is formed, and relationships are strengthened. Our work creates the conditions for this to continue — in ways that are led by Inuit and grounded in Inuit values. Qaggiavuut works across Inuit Nunangat and beyond, supporting artists at every stage of their journey and advocating for Inuit performing arts on national and international stages.
What is a Qaggiq?
Traditionally, a Qaggiq was a large snow structure built once a year — a place where people gathered to share skills, stories, resolve conflicts, learn from one another, and celebrate through the arts. A Qaggiq is not a stage. It is a circle. A space of equality, where art lives inside community. Today, Qaggiavuut carries this idea forward by creating modern Qaggiq — some temporary, some permanent — where Inuit artists gather, train, share, perform, and pass knowledge between generations.
Why this work matters
Much of Inuit cultural knowledge lives with Elders who are aging. After generations of disruption, many teachings are at risk of being lost. Our programs create spaces where Inuit artists can reconnect, learn, teach, and pass on their skills to younger generations — in Inuktut, on Inuit terms, and within Inuit cultural frameworks. This is cultural preservation through lived practice, not documentation alone.
Track Record
Inuit-led and Nunavut-based
Operating since 2012
Recipient of the Arctic Inspiration Prize (2016)
Trusted by artists, Elders, funders, and partners
Active across Inuit Nunangat and internationally
Contact Information
Legal Name: Qaggiavuut Nunavut Performing Arts Centre
CRA Number: 782304893