Iqaluit, Nunavut (May 20, 2025) – The Government of Nunavut (GN) and the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq (WAG) have renewed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to extend the decade-long partnership to manage part of the GN’s collections.
The MOA defines the terms for WAG- Qaumajuq to continue housing over 7,000 items from the GN’s fine art collection, provide curation services and collaborate on special projects. The GN will in turn pay WAG $715,000 over the next five years. The MOA is set to end in 2030.
“I am pleased to continue working with the WAG on the long-term care of our fine art collection. It is important for our government to ensure our world class collection is protected and stored properly while we work to repatriate them. Through this strategic partnership, Nunavut’s cultural treasures are preserved and accessible for generations to come”, said the Minister of Culture and Heritage, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok.
“The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq is honoured to continue supporting the Government of Nunavut for another five years. We are grateful to be entrusted with housing and sharing their fine art collection and its stories and spirit with our community until its return to Nunavut. This partnership has been instrumental in strengthening the cultural ties between our regions. We have worked together on many meaningful projects over the years, and I look forward to continuing this partnership,” said Stephen Borys, WAG-Qaumajuq Director & CEO.
This agreement is the result of the longstanding partnership between the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Manitoba, stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties in 2015. This collaboration is built on mutual respect, shared cultural priorities, and a commitment to the promotion and preservation of indigenous culture and art in Canada’s North.