Known as the world’s circumpolar stage, the Alianait Arts Festival takes place in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada in late June each year. These arctic days have 24-hour sunlight, a time of great celebration! Alianait sets the spotlight on Inuit and other circumpolar and Indigenous artists while bringing together exciting world-class musicians, circus acrobats, dancers, storytellers, actors, filmmakers and visual artists from across the globe. 

The Festival is entering its eighteenth year, and since its inaugural presentation in 2005, has become an acclaimed showcase of Inuit and world art. Since 2010, Alianait has also been presenting a series of concerts throughout the year and extends these shows to other Nunavut communities whenever possible.

Alianait’s mission is to help build a healthier Nunavut through the arts. We work proactively with local schools and community organizations to present family-friendly, alcohol-free events, and to facilitate outreach opportunities between artists and students and to help youth build skills through art and music.