Programs
Annual
Art Show
IHC
will sponsor an annual juried art show, inviting Iņupiat artists from
across the North Slope to enter paintings, graphics, mixed media, artifacts
and sculptures for the competition. Prizes will be awarded in
each of these categories, as well as special awards will be made possible
by several generous donors. This show will be the largest of its
kind in the North Slope. The Art Show will feature all new works
each year, and will be held annually from the second Sunday in June
through the second Sunday in August. Visitors and art collectors
from across the U.S. and from other countries will be attracted to the
show each year. All pieces in the annual art show will be for
sale, providing an excellent market for Iņupiat artist.
Community
Programs
Community programs will be listed
in our calendar. The community and visitors should look for Iņupiat
celebrations. The Family Explorations series will present programs
usually on a monthly basis that are designed to allow children and their
adult family members an opportunity to creatively explore topics related
to Iņupiat art, history and natural sciences. In addition, every
changing exhibition at the IHC will be supplemented with special programs
organized and presented by IHC staff.
Performing
and Fine Arts Programs
The Fine Arts and Performing Arts programs shall
be developed in conjunction with Ilisagvik College. The performing
arts program will support performances in the Multipurpose Room and
will celebrate Iņupiat arts through thematic presentations. It
is expected that the tourism industry will continue to make use of the
Multipurpose Room for dance and other performances and contribute to
the use and development of this service.
Teaching
Traditional Games
The Inuit developed games of skill and chance
that enhanced survival in the harsh Arctic environment. Many of
the traditional games were played to relieve tension during periods
of inactivity. Some team or partner games are played as way to
share enjoyment with others and teach children skills. Over time
the changing lifestyle of the Iņupiat has had an effect on the cycle
of inactivity that allowed children to learn the various kinds of traditional
sports. These games are now played during the winter holiday season
between Christmas and New Year. Some of the games have become
part of the competitive sports, such as The Arctic Winter Games in Canada
and the World Eskimo and Indian Olympics in Alaska, and are recognized
by other cultures. Part of the Iņupiat Heritage Center's role
will be to facilitate demonstrations and teaching of traditional games
by inviting elders and community members to teach specific traditional
games in the Multipurpose Room. New games can be introduced from
other Inuit groups to enhance this program.
Elders-in-Residence
Program
Elders are highly respected for their knowledge
and wisdom in practically every aspect of life. In some Iņupiat
communities today, elders are almost the only ones who have knowledge
of traditional skills and language. The elders' role has changed
dramatically as the changing lifestyle of the Iņupiat move toward the
modern age. Language barriers between the older and younger generations
make it difficult for elders to pass on knowledge about life, skills
and stories known mostly by the elders. Elders have much to contribute
toward the education of the young through their life long experiences.
The
elders in residence program will allow Iņupiat elders to assist in the
delivery of instruction and guidance for the Iņupiat Heritage Center
programs and activities. Where seasonal traditional activities
coincide with exhibits planned, they will be combined with the elders
in residence program. Parents and children will be able to explore
the relationship of the Iņupiat to their natural world and their environment
following the natural flow of the seasons and seasonal activities.
Artists-in-Residence
Program
Inuit art has roots dating back
more than 4,000 years. Decorative design on hunting implements
and ceremonial objects prevailed in the early cultures defined as the
Ovik, Old Bering Sea, Pungnak, Ikpiutak, and Thule periods. Fine
carvings of wood, bone, ivory, and other materials give evidence of
the sense of humor, both robust and subtle, of their vivid imagination,
and their technical virtuosity. Ceremonial objects, hunting implements,
and materials for daily life have been transformed into objects of beauty
and often carried spiritual significance. Unique Inuit art is
praised and collected by art collectors and museums around the world,
although not much attention has been paid to "tourist art."
The
Iņupiat Heritage Center will preserve and perpetuate Iņupiat art by
supporting Iņupiat artists and their work. Eight workstations
will allow master artists to share their knowledge with apprentices
interested in learning their skills. Local artists may also be
observed from the viewing room while they work on art projects.
Performing
Arts Programs
Iņupiat singing and drum dances are performed
to celebrate special events, successful hunts, annual ceremonies, and
large gatherings. Humorous dances and thematic performances would
relieve tension during periods of inactivity. Hardship, sad and
happy events, spirituality, and comic song and dance are a form of sharing
emotions that bring one into harmony with others. The Iņupiat
Heritage Center performing arts programs will be developed in conjunction
with Ilisagvik College and may be supported by local artists in creating
traditional props for thematic performances that will be learned in
the Multipurpose Room. Public performances by the participants
in this program will be presented by the general public as a part of
the Iņupiat Heritage Center performing arts programs.
Cultural
demonstrations and performing arts programs can be included in the summer
tourist cultural programs coordinated with the local tour industry.
Movie
Night
The Iņupiat Heritage Center will feature a movie
once a month for education/entertainment purposes. Movies are
open to the public. IHC may charge admission and sell beverages
& snacks.
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