Funding Awarded To Array Of Arts Organizations

Yukon Government
FOR RELEASE #07-161
July 24, 2007

WHITEHORSE – Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor announced that 18 arts organizations have been awarded funding assistance to develop, advance and present the arts in Yukon.

“This funding allows for economic and social growth that encourages strong artistic community spirit and pride of place,” Taylor said. “The Yukon government is pleased to be able to assist organizations that promote a healthy balance between education and cultural activities year-round to the benefit of Yukoners and visitors alike.”In 2006, 20 groups shared $445,000 in funding through the Yukon Arts Funding Program which supports the ongoing activities of established arts organizations. These groups reported overall expenditures of $2.7 million over the same period. There were 760 art events in 2006 with an estimate of over 56,000 in attendance and supported by over 1,400 volunteers working approximately 35,150 hours.

This year the funding has been increased to $463,490 with several groups receiving increases in recognition of their expanded program reach. The following groups received increases to their annual funding allocations: Community Choir of Whitehorse; the Longest Night Society; the Yukon Film Society; and the Yukon Art Society.

“The creation and success of Arts Underground has raised community appetites for programs and services far beyond the previous capacity of the Yukon Art Society,” Yukon Art Society President Charlene Alexander said. “We thank the Yukon government for the timely increase in our funding as it will allow us to meet growing demands on staff, and help us to leverage additional funding so that we can further develop and enhance new partnerships and programming for the community.”

Since moving to Arts Underground, the Yukon Art Society has increased workshops, public school art programs, artists’ talks and presentations, exhibitions, skill and professional development for artists (including business development), networking, advocacy, and member services. The society also offers a box office service for the community. As well, the popular Arts in the Park series continues to support the development of the visual and performing arts.

The Yukon Arts Funding Program is a combination of Yukon government and Lotteries Yukon funding. Yukon Arts Funding Program applications are assessed through an arms-length process by the Yukon Arts Advisory Council, a seven-member council responsible for providing advice on arts funding, policy and programs.

Yukon enjoys the highest per capita funding for arts and culture in Canada at over $400 per person according to the most recent Statistics Canada figures.

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Attached is a list of 2007 Yukon Arts Fund recipients.

Contact:

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Alicia Debreceni
Communications, Tourism and Culture
(867) 667-8589
alicia.debreceni@gov.yk.ca

ATTACHMENT: 2007-08 Yukon Arts Funding Program Allocations

1. Alsek Music Festival
Three day annual music festival in Haines Junction that promotes northern performers. $11,000

2. Community Choir of Whitehorse
Provides choral music experiences for audiences and choir members, supporting three choirs; and presents guest vocalists and conductors as well as special events such as tours and commissions. $20,000

3. Dawson City Music Festival
Three day annual music festival that showcases northern and “outside” performers; and presents community concerts and events throughout the year. $36,000

4. Extremely Moving Youth Society
Dance training, performing and touring for youth, community and established dance artists. $10,000

5. Frostbite Music Society
Three day annual music festival that showcases northern and “outside” acts as well as associated programming in music sector promotion and education. $32,000

6. Guild Society
Produces a community theatre season, monthly music coffee houses and associated educational programs. Maintains a multi-purpose arts facility. $53,000

7. Jazz Society of the Yukon
Presents Jazz on the Wing series, provides training and education and commissions new work. $16,000

8. Longest Night Society
An annual concert of original music, theatre, storytelling and dance with associated touring, commissions, recordings and special projects. $15,000

9. Nakai Theatre
A professional theatre company dedicated to developing original work, presenting a season and providing education and development for all aspects of professional theatre. Nakai is awarded $57,000 over three years per a multi-year funding agreement subject to legislated appropriation and annual accounting. $57,000

10. Northern Fibres Guild
Training and promotion of fibre arts and artists. Delivers annual Cranberry Fair. Equipment and library loans and rentals. $4,990

11. Northern Lights School of Dance
Provides training and showcasing opportunities for a wide range of dance techniques. Provides master workshops for dancers and instructors. $23,500

12. Society For Education and Culture
Haines Junction based cultural society that organizes cultural events in the Kluane area. $8,000

13. Society of Yukon Artists of Native Ancestry
An umbrella organization for Yukon First Nation artists. $36,000

14. Ted Harrison Artist Retreat Society
Operates a visual arts residency program for local, regional and national artists as well as a community outreach program for Yukon residents. $5,000

15. Whitehorse Concerts
Presents a classical music performing arts series, workshops, promotes Yukon musicians. $33,000

16. Yukon Art Society
Presents visual arts shows in gallery; provides education and promotional programs for artists, delivers annual Arts In the Park program. $45,000

17. Yukon Film Society
Presents independent and alternative media art works including film, video, animation and new media to Yukon audiences; promotes public appreciation of film and media arts through screenings, festivals and innovative media and art creation courses; and supports the production and distribution of works by Yukon media artists. $20,000

18. Yukon International Storytelling Festival
An annual three day festival showcasing local and visiting storytelling as well as associated educational programs. $38,000

Total funds allocated $463,490