The Government of Yukon is preparing to replace the “Welcome to the Yukon” signs at nine gateway locations and is seeking original artwork by Yukon artists that provides welcoming imagery representative of the territory’s unique culture, history and natural beauty.
A call for art proposals is now open, inviting submissions from professional and emerging artists of varying disciplines or practices who have lived in the Yukon for at least one year. Artwork can include photography, paintings, patterns, drawings, illustrations, sewing and beadwork, carving, textile, printmaking and other mediums. Collaborations are also eligible.
The selected works will be featured on the middle panel of the signs. The integrated art is intended to promote a sense of place, pride and community. Designs should reflect the theme of “Welcome to the Yukon".
To support regional representation for the sign locations, selection of artwork will be made by four subcommittees made up of visual artists, tourism operators and community members connected to four regions:
- Northern region – Top of the World and Dempster Highway
- Western region – Beaver Creek (Alaska Highway) and Haines Road
- Eastern region – Alaska Highway at B.C./Yukon border and Stewart-Cassiar Highway
- Southern region – Whitehorse Airport, South Klondike Highway and Atlin Road
Final selection will include concepts by nine different artists. The committees will be looking for work that demonstrates exceptional creativity, experience, interpretation of the theme and is representative of the Yukon and that specific region. Preference will be given to artists that reside in or have ties to the region(s) they have identified in their application, but artists from all Yukon communities are encouraged to apply.
Submission forms and guidelines are available online at yukon.ca/welcome-signs. Proposals can be submitted in person, by mail or email. Applicants requiring assistance or more information can contact Rebecca Jansen at 867-667-8258 or rebecca.jansen@yukon.ca.
The deadline to apply is February 26, 2024.
Welcome signs are a crucial part of the Yukon travel experience as well as a source of pride for Yukoners. This call for artwork presents a chance to showcase the diverse cultures, character, and heritage that make the Yukon such an incredible place. It is also an opportunity to showcase the Yukon’s immensely talented arts community. We look forward to their submissions.
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker
In addition to being welcoming, the theme for the artwork designs can include the excitement of a Yukon adventure and/or depict the Yukon’s heritage, cultures, distinctive landscape features, community, family and wildlife.
The design for the new signage follows the Yukon Place Brand, a distinctive and authentic image and story that conveys what and who the Yukon is to visitors, investors and future residents.
Developed in partnership with the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce, the place brand’s creation was informed by input from a diverse cross-section of Yukoners and includes a suite of tools to help promote the Yukon.
Improving signage to better support businesses, communities, and visitor experiences across the territory is a key action (3.2) under the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@yukon.ca