Baker Lake is famous for its fine arts and crafts. Prints, drawings, soapstone carvings, and wall hangings made by local artists are internationally renowned and collected. In the 1970's, the arts and crafts industry was very strong in Baker Lake and represented a high point in Inuit Art production and marketing throughout the north.
1947 was the first year of military participation in Baker Lake and the recognition of artistic talents to the Canadian Handicrafts Guild. Hence in 1956-57, Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources posted a Northern Service Officer to Baker Lake, who was active in encouraging the Inuit to participate in arts and crafts. This initiative sparked the first in a series of many “southern” arts and crafts officers in Baker Lake. Practically every three years Baker Lake saw a significant change in direction or management in the arts and crafts industry, as each administrator directed his/her interest or attention in different areas (whether it be carving and soapstone collection, drawing and printmaking growth, or sewing and textile development).
With the creation of the Nunavut Territory in 1999, Government has been developing its own mandates through action policies and plans. Arts and crafts production still remains an important industry for the north, but it is faced with the rising industry of natural resource development. With a variety of work opportunities for other individuals, determined artists will continue to produce art.
| 1957 | Doug Wilkinson, Northern Service Officer |
| 1960 | Edith Dodds, wife of S. Dodds, Northern Services Officer encourages handicrafts |
| 1961-62 | William Larmour, Crafts Officer with Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development |
| 1962 | Kaminijjuak Craft Centre opens |
| 1963 | Roderick McCarthy, followed by Robert Patterson works on printmaking |
| 1963-65 | Gabriel Gély, Crafts Officer |
| 1966-69 | Boris Kotelowitz, Arts and Crafts Officer |
| 1968 | Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development establishes a semi-industrial sewing enterprise |
| 1969 | Ken Krassweller arrives for short period of time |
| 1969-72 | Jack Butler and Sheila Butler establishes a printmaking program (Jack Butler continues as consultant until 1976) |
| 1970 | First Baker Lake Print Collection released |
| 1971 | Sanavik Arts Co-operative established |
| 1977 | Fire destroys the Sanavik Co-op |
| 1977-79 | John Evans, Arts Officer |
| 1979-82 | Bogus Zdyb, Arts Officer replaces Evans |
| 1983-85 | Bill Eakin, Arts Officer replaces Zdyb |
| 1985-88 | Grace Eiko Thomson replaces Eakin |
| 1987 | Miksukviq Sewing Centre closed |
| 1988 | Rebuilt Co-op continues without an Advisor; converts to a grocery business |
| 1992 | Jessie Oonark Centre opens |
| 1993 | Ujaraqtatit Carving Society formed |
| 2004-09 | Tania Marsh, Arts Administrator hired by local Economic Development Committee; office and resources established at Inuit Heritage Centre |
| 2004-09 | Nunavut Miqsuqtiit (small, seasonal sewing operation) operates with rented space at Jessie Oonark Centre |
| 2005 | Akubliriit Arts Society incorporated |
| 2007 | Government of Nunavut releases "Sanaugait: A Strategy for Growth in Nunavut's Arts and Crafts Sector" and "Ukkusiksaqtarvik: The Place Where We Find Stone: Caving Stone Supply Action Plan" |
| 2007-09 | Print Collections released under Sheila Butler and Marsh's guidance |
| 2008 | Government of Nunavut releases "Arts and Crafts Development Program Policy" |
| 2008 | Baker Lake Printmakers' Co-operative incorporated |
sources:
S. Gustavison: Northern Rock: Contemporary Inuit Stone Sculpture
M. Jackson: Qamanittuaq: Drawings by Baker Lake Artists
Government of Nunavut
Tania Marsh