WHITEHORSE – Twenty-two arts organizations will share a total of $642,500 in 2009-10 to generate an eclectic array of arts activities throughout the territory.
“The strength and vision of Yukon’s artists is reflected in the many events, festivals, programs and educational activities aimed at all ages,” Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor said. “The Yukon government recognizes the importance of arts and culture to Yukon’s social and economic well-being and are pleased to provide funding in support of existing programming while promoting new opportunities for artists and patrons.”
Arts Operating Funds, formerly the Yukon Arts Funding Program, provide support for not-for-profit societies primarily engaged in literary, visual or performing arts activities with annual and ongoing programs. Applications are adjudicated by the Yukon Arts Advisory Council, comprising members within Yukon’s arts and culture community.
In 2008, 828 arts events were held in Yukon with attendance estimated at 60,495 supported by 1,514 volunteers. Approximately $947,800 was spent on artistic expenses, $1.3 million on production costs and $346,500 on administration. Support from the Yukon government helped to leverage an additional $1.7 million in earned and fundraising revenue, an increase of $300,000 from 2007.
One of the groups, the Blue Feather Music Society will receive $13,500 for their annual festival that celebrates music and the arts, mentoring youth in performance and production.
“We are extremely grateful to the Yukon government for their support,” Gary Bailie, president of Blue Feather Music Society, said. “To receive annual funding means we are recognized as a true grassroots community event with a strong connection between mentors and youth, giving young people the opportunities to explore and embrace music as a way to enrich their lives.”
The Department of Tourism and Culture contributes more than $2.7 million annually in support of arts and culture.
For more information about arts funding visit www.tc.gov.yk.ca.
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See background below.
| Contact: | |
|
Emily Younker |
Karen Keeley |
List of 2009-10 Arts Operating Funds Recipients
| 1 | All-City Band Society (ACBS) |
$20,000 |
| 2 | Community Choir of Whitehorse Society |
$25,000 |
| 3 | Dawson City Music Festival Association |
$45,000 |
| 4 | Extremely Moving Youth Society |
$25,000 |
| 5 | Frostbite Music Society |
$32,000 |
| 6 | Guild Society |
$85,500 |
| 7 | Jazz Yukon |
$22,000 |
| 8 | Junction Arts and Music Society (JAM) |
$27,500 |
| 9 | Longest Night Society |
$20,000 |
| 10 | Nakai Theatre Ensemble |
$75,000 |
| 11 | Northern Fibres Guild |
$4,000 |
| 12 | Northern Lights School of Dance |
$27,500 |
| 13 | Ted Harrison Artist Retreat Society |
$10,000 |
| 14 | Whitehorse Concerts |
$35,000 |
| 15 | Yukon Art Society |
$50,000 |
| 16 | Yukon Film Society |
$43,000 |
| 17 | Association franco-yukonnaise for the 2009-10 Arts Season; a series of visual, literary and performing arts projects |
$15,000 |
| 18 | Blue Feather Music Society and its annual music and arts festival, mentoring youth in performance and production |
$13,500 |
| 19 | Breakdancing Yukon Society and its annual summer internship project |
$20,000 |
| 20 | Rotary Club of Whitehorse for the Yukon Rotary Music Festival, an opportunity for music students and groups to perform before an audience and adjudicators |
$10,000 |
| 21 | Village of Mayo and its annual arts festival that enables local artists to showcase their work |
$7,500 |
| 22 | Yukon Bluegrass Music Society and its annual Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival and Music Camp in Haines Junction |
$30,000 |
|
Total for 2009-10 Recipients |
$642,500 |