Artist Residencies in Whitehorse

Why Whitehorse is worth your residency energy

Whitehorse is small, but the arts ecosystem is surprisingly dense. You get direct access to major northern institutions, strong Indigenous cultural presence, and a landscape that can take over your work in the best possible way.

The city sits on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. That context shows up everywhere: in programming, curatorial choices, and how residencies are structured around place and community.

Artists tend to come to Whitehorse for a few reasons:

• Landscape and light – long summer days, winter darkness, and quick access to river, mountains, and boreal forest
• Indigenous-led and northern-focused work – many programs prioritize respectful engagement with land and community
• A compact arts network – a handful of organizations run a lot of what happens, which makes it easier to meet people and be seen
• Cross-disciplinary energy – film, music, visual art, craft, and performance cross paths often

If you want a place where you can actually get to know the arts community over a month or two, Whitehorse is a strong option. You won’t be lost in a massive scene.

The main residency options in and around Whitehorse

Whitehorse has a mix of city-based residencies, collaborative programs, and remote research or retreat setups. They each serve a different kind of project and personality.

Jenni House Artist Residency – studio in town, community at your door

Good fit if: you want a one-month residency with a visible studio, local connections, and some financial support.

The Jenni House Artist Residency is one of the anchor programs in Whitehorse, run by ArtsNet in partnership with organizations like the Yukon Arts Centre, Yukon Film Society, Jazz Yukon, and Music Yukon.

Core features:

• One-month residency in a historic log house right on the Yukon River (Jenni House) or next door at Chambers House in winter
• $1,000 CAD honorarium
• $100 CAD material allowance specifically for public engagement (workshops, receptions, etc.)
• Eligible artists from outside Whitehorse can apply for support with travel, accommodation, and living costs
• Studio is wheelchair accessible, with accessible washrooms at Jenni House
• No internet in the studio, but free Wi‑Fi is available nearby at the Whitehorse Public Library

Who can apply:

• Artists from the Yukon
• Artists from neighbouring northern regions: Northwest Territories, northern BC, Alaska, Nunavut
• Artists from circumpolar countries
• Disciplines include visual arts, film/media, music, literary arts, spoken word, and multi-disciplinary work

What you actually get day-to-day: a working studio in a public park (Shipyards Park), consistent foot traffic by the river, and a clear expectation that you will engage the community: workshops, open studios, artist talks, or small events.

What to think about before applying:

• There is typically no on-site accommodation, so factor in housing unless you secure the additional support.
• Internet is not in the studio; if your practice is heavily online, plan around library hours or mobile data.
• Accessibility changes in winter if programming shifts to Chambers House; if accessibility is critical, confirm details for your specific period.

Best for you if: you like being in town, want to meet local artists, and are ready to offer public-facing work as part of your practice.

Chu Niikwän Artist Residency – collaboration and exhibition-building

Good fit if: you want a focused, collaborative project and a group exhibition at the end.

The Chu Niikwän Artist Residency is a three-week paid visual arts program made possible through a partnership between the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Yukon Arts Centre, and Yukon Art Society (at Arts Underground).

Core features:

• 3-week paid residency for three visual artists plus a curatorial team
• Each artist gets their own studio space, often in different partner venues (e.g., KDCC culture cabins, Old Fire Hall, Arts Underground)
• Shared goal is to create a new body of work and a group exhibition
• Community programming is built in: artist talks, workshops, or events

In some editions, artists have had the option to work remotely from home for part of the process, though the most impactful experience comes from being on site.

What it feels like: a tight, collaborative block of time where you are not just making work in isolation but also thinking through presentation, context, and how your work sits alongside others.

What to consider:

• Accommodation is usually not included, so you will need to sort housing in Whitehorse unless the program changes terms.
• The residency is quite public and structured; it suits you if you enjoy feedback, conversation, and deadlines.
• The residency is named by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation Elders’ Council and is rooted in the Yukon River (Chu Niikwän). Respect for land and culture is embedded, not optional.

Best for you if: you thrive with curatorial input, like working alongside other artists, and want a visible exhibition outcome in a short timeframe.

Ted Harrison Artist Retreat – quiet time on Crag Lake

Good fit if: you want a true retreat, away from the city, with long stretches of uninterrupted work time.

The Ted Harrison Artist Retreat is located on Crag Lake, south of Whitehorse. It was established through the legacy of Yukon artist Ted Harrison and offers a studio-residence for artists who need room to focus.

Core features:

• One-bedroom living and studio space
• No rent – the space and utilities are provided at no cost to the artist
• Residency length typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks
• Suited to independent artists or artist couples who can share living and work space

Artists are responsible for:

• Travel to and from Whitehorse
• Transport between Whitehorse and Crag Lake (around 90 km)
• Food, materials, and any special equipment
• Typically at least one open studio or community event

What it feels like: a classic cabin studio setup: lake, quiet, and time. It is less about constant public engagement and more about deep work, with occasional community connection.

Best for you if: you want to write, paint, edit, or develop a long-form project and do not need daily access to city amenities.

Kluane National Park Artist Residency – research station, scientists, and big landscape

Good fit if: your work combines art, science, ecology, or climate, and you enjoy remote environments.

The Kluane National Park Artist Residency is a collaboration between Parks Canada, the Yukon Arts Centre, and the Kluane Lake Research Station.

Core features:

• Two separate 2-week residencies each year
• $3,000 CAD honorarium
• Accommodation and meals provided at Kluane Lake Research Station
• Access to scientists, researchers, and Parks Canada staff
• Public programming: typically three workshops/talks/events and two artist-at-work drop-in sessions

Eligibility basics:

• Open to Canadian artists
• Each year selects one Northern artist and one artist from elsewhere in Canada
• Calls often state that preference may be given to artists who self-identify as Yukon First Nation or another Canadian Indigenous ancestry

Where you actually are: the Kluane Lake Research Station, about 220 km from Whitehorse, near Lhù’ààn Mânʼ (Kluane Lake). You are part of a research community, not a tourist lodge.

What to think about logistically:

• You are responsible for transportation to and from the residency.
• A vehicle is strongly recommended due to distance to services and program sites.
• Groceries, gas, medical services, and amenities are mainly in Haines Junction, which is still a significant drive away.

Best for you if: you want to anchor your practice in land-based research, data, field observations, and conversation with scientists, and you can work well in a remote setting.

Shakaat Artist Residency Program – Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

The Shakaat Artist Residency Program is based at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC) in Whitehorse. Public details online can be sparse or change by year, so it is a program to watch and confirm directly.

Why it matters:

• Hosted by a major Indigenous cultural institution located on the Yukon River
• Likely to prioritize Indigenous artists, place-based practice, and community engagement
• May offer important opportunities to work in close dialogue with Kwanlin Dün community and cultural staff

If you are interested: contact KDCC directly via phone or email and ask for the most current residency outline, eligibility, and support details.

Living and working in Whitehorse as a visiting artist

The creative part is only half the story. To actually get work done, you need a handle on housing, costs, and how you’ll move around.

Cost of living and budgeting

Whitehorse is a northern capital, so some costs sit higher than many southern cities. Expect:

• Higher rent, especially in summer and during popular travel seasons
• More expensive groceries, especially fresh produce
• Pricey flights compared with many domestic routes
• Potentially higher costs for materials and shipping

Residencies that include accommodation and/or stipend are very helpful here. Even then, build a buffer if you can.

Budget tips:

• Ask residencies directly what average monthly rent is for visiting artists they host.
• Plan materials carefully and ship only what you must; source the rest locally.
• If your residency is short, consider staying close to downtown to avoid needing a car.

Where to stay and where you’ll spend your time

The arts scene is compact. Being close to the riverfront and downtown makes life easier, especially if you do not have a vehicle.

Areas and landmarks to know:

• Downtown Whitehorse – galleries, cafés, Whitehorse Public Library, shops, Yukon Arts Centre’s downtown spaces, and services
• Shipyards Park / waterfront – home base for Jenni House and a lot of community activity along the Yukon River
• Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre – key cultural and exhibition venue, right by the river
• Riverdale – residential but close to downtown; walkable routes via the bridge
• Outlying neighbourhoods like Porter Creek – more residential and often cheaper, but less walkable to core arts spaces

For short residencies, it usually makes sense to look for housing that keeps you within walking distance of the library, KDCC, Arts Underground, and downtown amenities.

Studios, galleries, and organizations you will actually interact with

These organizations shape a lot of residency life:

• Yukon Arts Centre – presenter, gallery, and residency partner; also supports programs like Jenni House and Kluane residencies
• Arts Underground – downtown arts hub, gallery, workshops, and host for Chu Niikwän activities
• Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre – Indigenous cultural centre with exhibitions, events, and Shakaat residency programming
• Yukon Art Society – community visual arts organization, also connected to Arts Underground
• Yukon Film Society – for film and media artists
• Music Yukon and Jazz Yukon – for musicians, sound artists, and interdisciplinary work

Spending time in these spaces, even outside a residency, is one of the fastest ways to understand how Whitehorse’s arts community functions.

Transport, visas, and timing

Getting there and getting around

Getting to Whitehorse:

• Most visiting artists arrive by air into Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY).
• Some drive via the Alaska Highway, especially if touring or carrying larger gear.

Getting around in town:

• Downtown and the riverfront are walkable for many needs.
• Local transit and taxis exist, but schedules and availability can be limited compared to larger cities.
• If your residency is city-based (Jenni House, Chu Niikwän), you can often manage without a car if you plan housing carefully.

When a car is useful or necessary:

• Ted Harrison Artist Retreat – very helpful, borderline essential, to get between Crag Lake and Whitehorse.
• Kluane National Park residency – a vehicle is strongly recommended for safety, flexibility, and outreach events.
• Any project involving regular trips outside the core city or into trail systems and more remote sites.

Visa, entry, and paperwork

Canadian artists:

• No visa needed to work in Yukon.
• Make sure you know how your residency honorarium will be reported for tax purposes.
• Check whether the residency offers any travel or health coverage; if not, consider your own insurance.

International artists:

• Check if you need an eTA or temporary resident visa to enter Canada.
• Confirm with the residency whether your honorarium or required public programming counts as work under Canadian rules, and if a work permit is needed.
• Get written confirmation of your residency terms; border officials may ask what you are doing in Canada.

The safest approach is to ask the residency organizers early and cross-check with official Canadian immigration guidance, especially if you will be paid or delivering public programs.

When to go and seasonality

Season affects both your work and your logistics.

• Summer – long daylight, friendlier weather, easier outdoor work and public events. Also the busiest tourism season, so housing can be expensive and scarce.
• Spring and fall – quieter, potentially more affordable, and still good for land-based practice. Weather swings can be dramatic, so plan gear accordingly.
• Winter – dramatic light, snow, and quieter community rhythm. Travel can be trickier, and outdoor field work needs more preparation.

Program timelines vary, but calls often open months ahead. If you have your eye on a specific residency, start watching its website and partner organizations’ calls well in advance.

Matching your practice to the right Whitehorse residency

If you are torn between programs, map your project needs to what each residency actually offers.

• Jenni House – choose this if you want a city-base with a public studio, a one-month timeline, and structured community engagement, with some financial support available.
• Chu Niikwän Artist Residency – choose this if you want collaboration, curatorial input, and an exhibition outcome in a short, intense period.
• Ted Harrison Artist Retreat – choose this if you want solitude and a longer retreat on a lake, with minimal program demands and lots of time.
• Kluane National Park Artist Residency – choose this if your work is research-based, environmentally focused, or science-connected and you are comfortable in a remote research station environment.
• Shakaat Artist Residency Program – watch this if you are especially interested in Indigenous-led programming, cultural context, and community relationships at KDCC.

Whichever you go for, give yourself time to think through not only your studio work, but how you want to be in relationship with land, community, and the institutions hosting you. Whitehorse rewards that kind of intentionality.