Whitehorse, Canada
Impact Report | March 2025
Local lead contact:
Beth Dart, Executive Director, Music Yukon
General update
This time last year Whitehorse lost The Local Bar / 202 which was its largest venue, so they are feeling the loss of that space, but in its place there are a lot of live grassroots performances in cafes, warehouse spaces, bars and restaurants – these are a “rotating door” of businesses that are coming to the plate to support.
There have been new collaborations with the arts center, to promote local album releases which has been very successful, with plans for expansion.
Export activity has also increased, probably to do with emerging from the pandemic.
There is a reported “shift” in the community in terms of how people are working together and collaborating with other regions.
Whitehorse had three indigenous artists showcased at Ice and Airwaves festivals this year which was fantastic. Music Yukon supported this and saw some great connections for these artists as a result, as well as five Yukon artists at Folk Alliance in Montreal this year.
There has been a lot of beautiful development in arts education – momentum is picking up and they now offer free music lessons to indigenous youth in the territory and free lessons from professional musicians – it is really great for youth and musicians who are making fair wages for instruction too.
Specific impact from MPRN
Whitehorse reports influence in terms of how it talks about the work they do and what influence this has on the greater population of Whitehorse, including being able to familiar the term “music ecosystem”. Stepping into this language has enabled them to talk more easily with policy makers. They have used the report to have reciprocal conversation with local government and how the work aligns with the motivations of the community.
Ongoing engagement with MPRN:
Whitehorse are very keen to stay involved in the network.