Statement from Minister Streicker on the Government of Yukon’s support for the territory’s artists

November 12, 2024

Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“The Yukon is fortunate to have one of the highest proportions of artists per capita in Canada. From visual artists, writers, to performers, musicians and filmmakers, across the entire territory and in every community, the arts are a vibrant part of the Yukon’s story.

“We are proud that our government has funding programs, transfer payments and organizational funding that supports our artists. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, the Department of Tourism and Culture allocated over $4 million and the Department of Economic Development allocated over $2.2 million in funding to this sector.

“Support is available through 10 application-based funds administered by the Arts Unit at the Department of Tourism and Culture and through five funds offered by Media Development at the Department of Economic Development.

“The five funds offered by Media Development are in place to support professionals in the Yukon screen sector and music industry. The five programs were launched in 2022 after lengthy industry consultations, offering modern,  flexible programs that are comparable with those delivered across the country.

“Media Development offers a suite of four media funding programs that aim to stimulate economic growth and job opportunities by supporting professional film, television and digital media projects. Projects supported under these four programs spent over $6.6 million in the Yukon in 2023–24, employing over 150 Yukoners. Additionally, the Performing Musicians Fund is a comprehensive funding program for Yukon musicians to foster continued growth in this vibrant creative industry.

“Of the ten funds available from the Department of Tourism and Culture, three were recently established: the Indigenous Artists and Cultural Carriers Micro-grant, the Express Micro-grant and the Creative and Cultural Career Advancement Fund. These new funds are a result of implementing actions in Creative Potential: Advancing the Yukon’s Creative and Cultural Industries strategy.

“This 10-year guiding document is the first of its kind for the Yukon. The strategy contains 22 actions to support, grow and advance the sector. A recent progress report on the strategy shows a positive trend on arts funding and artist opportunities. The suite of funding programs offers support to emerging and advanced artists, collectives, organizations and municipal and First Nation governments for projects and activities centered in community and professional arts.

“The Department of Tourism and Culture also offers ongoing, frequent professional development opportunities.

“Additionally, support for the arts is available through Yukon Lotteries and potentially through a number of other funds when projects are focused on community building, crime prevention and youth engagement.

“A prosperous creative and cultural industries sector not only strengthens our economy, it strengthens community and has positive impacts on tourism, manufacturing, education and small businesses. Program staff in Tourism and Culture and Economic Development are available to discuss project ideas with potential applicants and help guide them through the application process.

“The Government of Yukon holds annual calls for artworks for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. The collection represents a commitment to a collective and representative record of Yukon visual arts, to display pieces throughout the Yukon and to care for these pieces in trust for all Yukoners.

“The Department of Tourism and Culture also holds art commissions including the bi-annual tourism banner projects that supports and showcases Yukon artists. Another example is the incredible Yukon art now showcased on the nine new Yukon welcome signs and the ambitious projects associated with the 125 Prize.

“The Yukon values the arts, artists, creatives and their immense contribution to our society and economy. We are proud that so many artists call the Yukon home.”

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

NT4