Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1966 - 1970 (Creation)
Level of description
Series
Extent and medium
40 cm of textual records and other material
Context area
Repository
Archival history
In response to demand from dealers and the public for more information about individual creators and to assist with the promotion and sale of Inuit art, a project to collect information on Inuit artists was begun by the Inuit Art Section, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. The project was taken up by the Canadian Eskimo Art Committee, which conceived the idea to produce leaflets on individual artists during 1967 and 1968. A form for the collection of information designed with input from prominent collectors Bill Larmour, Alma Houston, and George Swinton, who also provided photographs for the project. By 1968, biographical files had been established for 86 creators. Originally titled the “Eskimo Artists Biographies Project”, the undertaking would eventually grow to include six volumes of artist’s biographies with brief information such as dates of birth and death, and information on major exhibitions of works.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Materials described here consist of correspondence of the progress of the “Biographies” project; lists of names, biographical and autobiographical information and some photographs; reports on the progress of the “Biographies” project; and a copy of the Keewatin district portion of the project.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
For further correspondence pertaining to the “Biographies of Eskimo Artists” project see the file labelled ‘Diana Trafford’ described as part of the series ‘Correspondence with Individuals’. Other material pertaining to the “Biographies of Eskimo Artists” project is also described elsewhere in this fonds.