History, Memory and Community at the Yukon Arts Centre

SPOTLIGHT

Dazhän akàndür dänkwänji ke shų nenàdhàt.

An aerial photograph of a blocky beige building with partial blue roof, with a view of a residential area in the middle-ground behind it, and mountainous terrain and cloudy blue sky in the background.

Located in Yukon’s capital city, Whitehorse, and on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, the Yukon Arts Centre (YAC) opened its doors May 29, 1992. Thirty years later, YAC continues its leadership role in the arts by being a vibrant, inclusive, creative space for artists and audiences.

The Yukon Arts Centre serves the community with its three art galleries, 400+ seat theatre, rehearsal space and a smaller offsite facility used for residencies and performances. The Centre works continuously to be inclusive, supportive and respectful of the vibrant diversity of communities and cultures in the territory. The Centre recognizes it has a role to support, encourage and further social justice.

The Yukon Arts Centre is also committed to furthering our relationships with Yukon First Nations and other Indigenous peoples, and listening to—and learning from—their history, experiences, perspectives, and needs.

In this spotlight on the Arctic Arts Council platform, the Yukon Arts Centre shares some of its current, recent, and ongoing projects in support of the Yukon’s diverse artistic communities:

The Beat of 14 Different Drummers
Representing every Yukon First Nation through drums in the Yukon Arts Centre foyer.

Recording and Reflecting the Yukon
The Yukon Permanent Collection reveals collective understandings of the Yukon experience.

Stitches Tell Stories in Indigenous Regalia
An exhibition of graduation regalia brings together 20+ years of “Native Grad” clothing from across Yukon.

Young Alaskan Artists Tackle Climate Change
A youth-led exhibition at the Yukon Arts Centre.

Yukon Arts Centre Virtual Tour
Take a video tour of the YAC facilities.

William Yaxkasei Callaghan Commemorative Totem
The story behind the 23-ft carved wooden totem at the Yukon Arts Centre.

 

Each week, the Arctic Arts Summit Digital Platform spotlights an important region of the circumpolar North or organization working to support Arctic artists and their practices. Spotlights are an exciting introduction to the variety of perspectives across the circumpolar world and we invite you to learn more across the platform.