Songwriter-in-Residence

Since 2006, the Dawson City Music Festival has proudly operated a Songwriter-in-Residence program with the support of the Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture.  Each year, the program brings one songwriter to Dawson City for a month-long stay where the artist receives living and studio space at Macaulay House in Dawson City.  

Previous songwriters-in-residence have involved themselves quite deeply with the local community.  Whether mentoring local musicians, volunteering for the Yukon Quest, performing in local daycares, or leading songwriting workshops at the Robert Service School, there are many opportunities to get involved around Dawson.  Most songwriters find the relationship with the community to be mutually inspiring.  

Alumni of the program include:
2006: Leela Gilday
2007: Dan Bejar (Destroyer)
2008: Brooke Gallupe (Immaculate Machine)
2009: Laura Barrett
2010: Colin Skrapek (Maybe Smith)
2011: John K. Samson (Weakerthans) & Christine Fellows 
2012: Colin Huebert (Siskiyou)

Expectations of the residency are flexible – our only requirements are that the artist spend the bulk of the month in the Dawson City community, and that the artist perform one public concert at some point during their stay.  

No stipend is currently provided to residents; however, local concerts and workshops do provide revenue opportunities.  

Artist Selections

Currently, a selections committee handpicks DCMF songwriters-in-residence. We strive to select a diverse range of artists, from a variety of backgrounds and points of origin, at varying stages in their career.  We tend to choose artists that are well-suited to the dynamic of this particular community. While no formal application exists at the moment, we certainly accept and consider project proposals. Please email DCMF with a brief description of your background and musical history; with a link to some online music; and with a proposal of the work or outreach activities you’d undertake while in Dawson.