Artisans Of Nuuk (Social Impact Tour)

Behold the extraordinary creativity of Greenlanders at several venues that promote artistic expression. Your immersion into the local art scene will include a stop at the Nuuk Art Museum, whose collection highlights photography, painting and carving in soapstone, bone and wood. Many of the works are by contemporary artists, which offer an insight into how Greenlandic art has evolved over time. At Ajaqaq – a workshop named for a traditional cup-and-pin game made from bone, animal hide and rabbit tail – you can watch artisans carve tupilaks, which are figurines said to protect the owners from their enemies. Tupilaks are thought to have great spiritual power. You will also visit a homeless shelter that encourages Nuuk’s most vulnerable community members to express themselves through arts and crafts. While snacking on coffee and cake, you will learn how the shelter has positively influenced the homeless and how art has empowered them.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Browse the Nuuk Art Museum, which exclusively displays the works of Greenlanders.
• Watch artisans carve highly symbolic statuettes from bone and other animal materials.
• See how a shelter helps the homeless express and empower themselves through art.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.