Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to talk about the performing artists in the Northwest Territories. Performing artists fall into a number of categories including actors, musicians, dancers, and the list goes on and on.
To begin, I believe the 16th Legislative Assembly has done a good thing in increasing our support to the arts in the NWT. Our budget in this area has increased by almost $2 million since we began in October 2007. This is a positive step and acknowledges the value that arts play within the Northwest Territories.
However, with respect to performing artists such as musicians I don't believe that we are taking advantage of the good work that is being done. We haven't taken steps required to form partnerships with our northern musicians to promote themselves and the Northwest Territories at the same time. Through ECE we provide money to northern musicians who apply to help them produce their music. Once produced, this government is done with the artists. There is no follow-up. There is no further cooperation or partnering. This is a missed opportunity. I believe that the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment should work with Education, Culture and Employment to identify these musicians and see if they can find ways to work with them in a mutually beneficial way to promote the NWT as a tourist destination.
I have looked through the GNWT Arts Strategy as presented by ITI. There is one brief mention of performing artists. The majority of the focus is on commodities such as crafts. Northern musicians produce a product and are a commodity in and of themselves. ITI should pay greater attention to performing artists as part of their Arts Strategy.
I have also spent a lot of time reviewing our Spectacular NWT campaign. Once again, I'm sad to report that there is very little reference to the arts, including performing artists, as a reason for people to come and experience the Northwest Territories. When people consider coming to a place like the Northwest Territories, they want options and a wide variety of things to do. Attending arts festivals and other music related events is a definite draw.
Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon I'll be asking the Minister responsible for ITI some questions on this topic and seeking commitment of this government to work with performing artists from the Northwest Territories to promote the Northwest Territories and the artists themselves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.