Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am proud today to be able to rise and inform the House about exciting developments, and the development of the arts industry in my constituency. The 1992 Pangnirtung print collection will be opening September 25. That is tomorrow, Mr. Speaker, for the first time in four years.
Five years ago our print shop had to close due to the lack of funds. People were worried that perhaps we had seen the death of commercial print making in Central Baffin. The commitment of our artists, and the unique and exciting approach to market development and distribution has now lead to the rebirth of this important economic and cultural activity.
In 1991, the Uqqurmiut Artists' Association was able to purchase Pangnirtung print shop equipment and inventory, and reopen its print making facility in the former workshop building. Artists were so committed to seeing the return of this industry, that they produced the 1992 collection on their own time, without wages. The collection has come together perfectly, Mr. Speaker. Tomorrow it will open at 22 galleries from Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, to San Francisco. This year's collection features 35 images by some of the community's best known artists. Their work is simply wonderful.
Honourable Members, and art lovers throughout the north, will be able to view these limited editions prints at Northern Images store in Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Inuvik, where they are on sale.
Later today, I will table a listing of dealers who are showing our 1992 collection all across North America, and artists who have contributed. Mr. Speaker, credit for this successful venture must go first, and foremost to the talented artists and hard working board of the Uqqurmiut Artists' Association. Also, and to be honest Mr. Speaker, I never thought I would hear myself say this, I want to give the big compliments to the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, for the manner in which his department has contributed to the success of Uqqurmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.