From Windsor to Iqaluit, arts council looks to link opposite ends of the country

Windsor and Iqaluit are about 2,500 km apart but now they're being drawn together through the arts.

The Arts Council of Windsor & Region and the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association are partnering for what's called the 'North and South' collaboration, allowing artists to learn from other at the opposite end of the country.

The idea to connect the communities was sparked by Julie Tucker, director of public programs for the Windsor's art council. 

"I wanted to partner with Nunavut Arts and Crafts Council to create a unique professional development opportunity," she said. "Sending artists as ambassadors I thought would be a way for us to connect."

Windsor artist Zeke Moores was the lucky applicant who travelled north for a mould making and casting workshop. He's been sharing photos of his experience through the council's Instagram account. 

"It's a really great skill just to add to the repertoire," said Moores who is showing fellow artists, carvers and jewelers how to reproduce original objects and create multiples of those goods. 

"I think it's going to get utilized in a lot of ways, people are excited about it, it's been fun," he said. 

Moores said he's also been very inspired by the experience and is designing a mould based off of things he's found interesting on his trip.

"One of the things I've learned the most is just the attitude up here is amazing. Everybody is super friendly, everyone is positive and it's just a really a pleasure to be up here," he said.

Tucker said she's hoping to bring artists from the north to Windsor to teach courses as well.