Arts festival to promote Aboriginal talent

Page 9

Members of Peepeekisis First Nation are hosting an arts and crafts trade fair promoting Aboriginal artists. It will be held in Regina.

Co-ordinators are optimistic the event, entitled Follow Your Dream Arts Festival, will become an annual occurrence. They are cautiously avoiding mistakes of previous shows held in Toronto and Vancouver by recognizing which ideas worked and which failed.

They've agreed it's imperative to focus on building the event first by making it affordable for artists and audiences alike.

"The event is totally sponsored, so we don't need to make a profit. If we do make a profit, it will go toward hiring a co-ordinator for next year. We're only charging a $5 admission fee for each person, and we've lowered prices for artists to attend compared to the other two shows," said Les Goforth, member of Peepeekisis First Nation.

Goforth said there is an incredible amount of artistic talent within Aboriginal communities, but a lack of business skills that can be easily obtained through knowledge. This is why a business conference will take place where marketing professionals will discuss self promotion, selling venues and how to protect artists' work.

"Many of these artistic talents don't seem to be involved in post-secondary education, but they should. They often lack marketing techniques, copyright information, trade show tips and international sales opportunities. We want to create some kind of exposure to First Nations out there who have these talents," he said.

Initially, the plan was to promote local artists, but it was decided to include talent from all over North America, said co-ordinator Dick Byrd.

"We felt it was wrong and discriminating not to include everyone, so we changed the rules and expanded the event."

Byrd said there are still openings for artists, whose work will have to first meet criteria determined by a three-panel art jury.

He said there has been a tremendous amount of support for the trade fair, and is confident it will be a success. It's expected to attract anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 people each day.

Eugene McNabb, an artist displaying his work at the show, is very excited about the exhibition.

"I think it's something great. A lot of Native artists need that outlet to pursue their work. I think it's a start of a good thing."

McNabb said his work portrays a lot of realism and cultural history, but believes the fair will display a wide variety of art.

The trade fair will take place at the Regina Inn on Aug. 7 and 8, with a conference on Aug. 6. Artists wishing to get involved or receive additional information can call (306)585-8450.