January 2025 Residency Application Information
IMPORTANT INFO
RESIDENCY DATES: Full month of January 2025
LOCATION: Dawson City, Yukon – Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in traditional and contemporary territory
APPLICATION PERIOD: September 5-October 18, 2024
HOW TO APPLY
1. Read the guidelines here.
2. Check out this fun additional info to learn more about our community.
3. Apply by October 18, 2024 at 11:59pm via this link.
ELIGIBILITY
This program is open to Canadian and international* songwriters aged 19+ with a professional practice at any stage in their career (established, mid-career, and emerging). Equal consideration will be given to all musical genres. Eligibility is not limited to traditional lyric-based songwriting.
Established songwriting duos are welcome to apply; however our budgets for performance and travel are fixed and were created with a single artist in mind. Trios or groups are not eligible.
Applicants with children/dependents are encouraged to contact DCMF in advance of applying to discuss the possibility of accommodating your family’s needs.
We encourage applications from songwriters from all communities and backgrounds. Please let us know if there are any accommodations you need during the application process or the residency itself.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES AVAILABLE HERE.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESIDENCY AND DAWSON CITY IS AVAILABLE HERE.
*100% of travel costs are only guaranteed within Canada. Travel allowances for international applicants will be discussed upon acceptance into the program.
FACILITIES
The Songwriter-in-Residence program is hosted in the Macaulay House, constructed in 1901. This two-story furnished home is owned by Parks Canada as part of the Klondike National Historic Sites Complex and is centrally located within Dawson City.
There are two studio spaces and bedrooms to choose from, a living room, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and internet.
Artists also have access to DCMF’s professional recording studio, office space, and audio equipment. Access to equipment and facilities at the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture (including video & sound equipment, art supplies, print making facilities, and a performance space) can also be negotiated.
ACCESSIBILITY
Dawson City is made up of dirt roads and elevated wooden boardwalks, often uneven, exacerbated by snowbanks and ice in the wintertime. In January, there is limited daylight so artists can expect to be in the dark when outside, except for a couple afternoon hours.
There is no public transit or taxis in Dawson, however, DCMF will pick up and drop off the artist from the airport. Many residents walk throughout the winter despite the colder temperatures as the townsite is not very big and amenities are close.
The Macaulay House has six steps up to the front door, and no ramp unfortunately. The laundry, kitchen, living room and one studio are located on the main floor. Both bedrooms, the second studio space, and a washroom (standard tub with showerhead) are located on the second floor.
Please get in touch with us at [email protected] if you would like more accessibility-related information about the Macaulay House or Dawson City prior to applying.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of our SiR program!
Since 2006, the Dawson City Music Festival Association has proudly operated an annual Songwriter in Residence program in partnership with the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture, North Klondyke Highway Music Society, and Parks Canada. Each January, the program brings a songwriter to Dawson City for a month-long stay in the historic Parks Canada Macaulay House.
Past DCMF Songwriters in Residence have been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, received Juno Awards, and performed at some of Canada’s premier venues such as Massey Hall and the National Arts Centre.
SHARE
We invite an artist to Dawson City for the month of January to work on their craft, perform a concert, and facilitate an outreach activity.
ENGAGE
We contribute to our community with programming intended to promote interaction, engagement, and foster an appreciation and understanding of songwriting, music, and the arts in general.
CREATE
We provide songwriters with ample time, space, and resources to research, develop, and produce ongoing and/or new material, and work on related activities.
COLLABORATE
We create opportunities for collaboration between visiting artists and our vibrant, local music community.
LEARN
We introduce artists to the people, culture, and land of the North in a respectful way.
ACCESS
We ensure Dawson City has exposure and access to a wide range of contemporary music, live performances, and educational opportunities.
