The National Gallery of Canada presents Qillaniq, a major exhibition dedicated to circumpolar Indigenous art

The National Gallery of Canada presents Qillaniq, a major exhibition dedicated to circumpolar Indigenous art

The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) unveils a major international exhibition entitled Qillaniq, dedicated to contemporary art from circumpolar Indigenous regions. On view from June 12th to September 20th, 2026, it brings together more than 80 works by over 70 artists from the Arctic and Northern Indigenous territories.

According to the gallery, this is the largest exhibition ever devoted to circumpolar Indigenous art, highlighting diverse artistic practices ranging from sculpture and video to painting, performance, and multimedia installations.

The title Qillaniq, derived from Inuktitut, evokes the shimmering of light on water and serves as a metaphor for the vitality and resilience of circumpolar Indigenous peoples. The exhibition aims to offer a different perspective on the Arctic, which is often portrayed through the lens of climate and geopolitical issues.

The exhibition also includes major works, including Máret Ánne Sara’s installation, presented for the first time in North America, as well as eight new commissions created specifically for Qillaniq.

In parallel, the museum offers public programming including guided tours, workshops, lectures, and screenings to foster dialogue between artists and the public.

The National Gallery of Canada emphasizes that this exhibition is part of an ongoing effort to recognize and celebrate contemporary Indigenous voices, while exploring themes of resilience, identity, and cultural transformation in the Arctic.