The Chu Niikwän Artist Residency is a unique partnership between three visual arts presenters: Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, the Yukon Arts Centre and the Yukon Art Society with the support of Yukon Government. Centred around the shared goal of artistic innovation, collaboration and professional development, this 3-week paid residency invites three visual artists as well as an emerging curator to gather in Whitehorse, Yukon to develop an exhibition of new work.
DEADLINE: SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021
RESIDENCY: JULY 5 – 24, 2021
From July 5th to 24th, 2021, each artist will be provided with their own studio space in a venue operated by the participating partners: KDCC Culture Cabins (Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre), the Old Fire Hall (Yukon Arts Centre) and Arts Underground (Yukon Art Society). While these artists will have dedicated space to develop their own work, the proximity of these studios, as well as many popular meeting places along the Yukon River, will help facilitate collaboration between the artists.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AT WONDERCRAWL: SEPTEMBER 3, 2021
To support physically-distant public engagement, we have partnered with Something Shows to participate in their outdoor arts event Wondercrawl, which will take place along the Riverfront Trail in downtown Whitehorse on September 3, 2021. The artists and curators will work together to create a mini-exhibit or demo of their work in progress for this unique nighttime event.
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION: SEPTEMBER 2021
Artists and curators will have the opportunity to have their portraits taken and have artwork made during the residency photographed by a professional photographer.
EXHIBITION: NOVEMBER 5 – 27, 2021
The culminating group show at Arts Underground will take place November 5 - 27 2021, with an artist talk during the opening reception.
CURATORS-IN-RESIDENCE RECEIVE
ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE RECEIVE
ACCOMMODATIONS
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide accommodations for participants at this time.
All applicants must be residents of the Yukon or Atlin, B.C. Each selected artist-in-residence is awarded a studio space by one of the three partner organizations. Eligibility requirements are different for each of the three venues.
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC Culture Cabins)
Indigenous visual artists only
Yukon Arts Centre (at the Old Fire Hall)
Any emerging or established Indigenous or non-Indigenous visual artist
Yukon Art Society (at Arts Underground)
Indigenous or non-Indigenous emerging visual artists only (emerging visual artists are defined as being in the early stages of their career with a short exhibition history and a commitment to expanding their practice)
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications may also be completed by phone or in person at Arts Underground.
JURY PROCESS
Applications will be juried by a panel of representatives from the partnering institutions.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO BRING?
Artists will need to bring all materials and items they require to work independently for three weeks.
WHAT ARE THE WORKING HOURS? WHAT ARE THE STUDIO HOURS?
Artists must be able to commit 20+ hours/week to the residency. Hours of studio access are from 10am - 7pm. Artists may complete their hours in their provided studio, or from home.
ARE ARTISTS REQUIRED TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY?
Yes. Artists and curators will engage with the community during Wondercrawl on September 3, 2021 (public health regulations permitting).
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE WORK THAT IS CREATED DURING THE RESIDENCY?
Artists are expected to have work which has been created during the residency ready for exhibition in early September. One image from each artist will be retained for future promotional purposes.
HOW ARE THE VISUAL ART RESIDENTS SUPPOSED TO INTERACT WITH THE CURATOR?
Artists are expected to work with the curator on the development of a curatorial direction for the exhibition. At minimum, artists should expect one visit/virtual call per week from the curators.
HOW WILL THE VISUAL ARTS RESIDENTS INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER?
Artists are expected to meet with each other a minimum of 3 times throughout the duration of the residency. Due to the proximity of the residents there will be many opportunities to interact and have discussions.
WHEN IS THE EXHIBITION AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE ARTISTS?
Artists are expected to be present at the opening of the group show at the Arts Underground on November 5, 2021 (if travel permits). Artists will be paid an honorarium to present an artist talk during the opening.
CAN I STILL APPLY IF I DO NOT LIVE IN WHITEHORSE?
While we are not able to provide accommodations for participants, there is an opportunity for artists to participate in the residency from their own space while meeting with the other artists and curators by video conferencing.
If you require support during the application process, please contact us. If submitting a written application is a barrier to you, we can complete your application in person or over the phone. Call (867) 667-4080 ex. 22 for more info.
Photo: Aimee Dawn Robinson's raven performance as part of her Chu Niikwan Residency in November 2020. Photo by Mike Thomas.
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