Circumpolar Crafters Network
The Circumpolar Crafters Network (CCN) was formed in response to the need to find new, collaborative means to bring awareness to craftmakers working with fur and leather to explore and develop new markets to promote sales of these products. Through this panel discussion, Janelle Kennedy (Director of Fisheries, Government of Nunavat) and some of the makers involved in the project will share CCN’s goals and what the future looks like for this industry and this collaborative effort.
Speakers
Helen Voce
Independent Project Manager, Programme and Event Producer
Helen is an independent project manager, programme and event producer working locally, nationally, internationally and voluntarily in the creative industries. She designs, facilitates and produces opportunities, initiatives and spaces in which creative practitioners, micro-businesses and projects can realise their full artistic and business potential.
Janelle Kennedy
Director of Fisheries, Nunavat Goverment
Janelle Kennedy is the Director of Fisheries for the Government of Nunavut. She provides strategic advice and direction on all fisheries and sealing science, research and economic activities, respecting Inuit culture and values, traditional knowledge and the traditional economies that support Inuit way of life.
Netty Sopata
Director, Diggory Brown
Netty is the Owner and Designer of Diggory Brown; a bespoke kilt making business on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Netty specialises in using locally woven cloth in her work and has recently developed her own Harris Tweed, from the wool produced from her family’s flock of Hebridean Sheep.
Deirdre Nelson
Director, Deirdre Nelson
Deirdre Nelson is an Irish artist/designer based in Glasgow. Nelson studied textiles at Glasgow School of Art 1992 and a M. Philosophy in 1996. She has exhibited internationally and nationally and undertaken residencies and commissions both in the UK and Australia.
April Pigalak
Director, Upinngaaq Designs
April Pigalak is an Inuk who designs modern seal skin hand bags and accessories and is from Kugluktuk, Nunavut. April’s designs are available through her business called Upinngaaq Designs. Upinngaaq in Inuinnaqtun means ‘Spring’, April’s favourite season in the arctic when the sun returns.