The Yukon Prize
for Visual Arts

June 2026 Newsletter

Jun 17, 2026

jurors announced

Announcing the Jury and Application Dates for the 2027 Yukon Prize

We’re excited to announce the launch of the 2027 Yukon Prize for Visual Arts by introducing a stellar jury of national arts leaders who will help select the next recipient of the Yukon Prize. We’re also pleased to share key dates for the 2027 Prize, including when applications open.

The 2027 Yukon Prize Jury 🔥

This year’s jury brings together three respected voices in contemporary art, each of whom brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of leadership in contemporary art.
Jurors announced
Secwépemc artist and curator Tania Willard is the recipient of the 2025 Sobey Art Award and the newly appointed Director/Curator of the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery at the University of British Columbia. Through projects such as Beat Nation and Bush Gallery, her work has expanded conversations around Indigenous art, land-based practice, and community-led art making. Carolyn Vesely is Chief Executive Officer of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto, one of Canada’s leading public galleries dedicated to presenting boundary-pushing artistic practices. Prior to joining The Power Plant, Vesely spent 20 years with the Ontario Arts Council, including as CEO, where she played a significant role in supporting artists and public galleries across the province. Sarah Fillmore is Chief Executive Officer of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and former Chair of the Sobey Art Award jury. Fillmore’s curatorial and leadership focus emphasizes community connection, mental health, and diversity. With decades of experience, she has worked closely with artists and institutions across Canada and brings valuable continuity, having also served on the 2025 Yukon Prize jury.

Application Dates 🎯

Applications for the 2027 Yukon Prize open on August 17, 2026. The deadline to submit applications is November 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Jane Isakson speaking about her artwork

2025 Yukon Prize finalist Jane Isakson speaking about her artwork during the Yukon Prize Festival. Photo: Mike Thomas

Interested in applying to the Yukon Prize?

The Yukon Prize offers more than a $20,000 award!

“Applying to the Yukon Prize gives artists an opportunity to have their works seen by others with impressive qualifications. The feedback from this process, whether the submissions advance or not, is uniquely valuable for Northern artists.”
– Matthew Lien, 2025 Yukon Prize Longlisted Artist

The application process and rules remain the same as in previous years.

  • The prize is open to Yukon artists working in any medium, including painting, carving, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, electronic media, photography, textiles, glass, regalia, jewelry and drawing.
  • Artists must be residents of the Yukon for at least two years immediately prior to the application deadline. Yukon First Nations artists who are not Yukon residents, but who have maintained a significant connection to the Yukon are also eligible.
  • Artists may submit work created within the last ten years, and may include work that has been submitted before.

For the full list or rules and how to apply visit the Rules Page on YukonPrize.ca.

Over the next few months we will be offering tips for applying on our Instagram and Facebook channels. In the meantime, visit the Artists tab on the Yukon Prize website for some inspiration from past Yukon Prize alumni! You can also find Frequently Asked Questions and a list of people you can chat with if you would like to learn more.

We are looking forward to seeing your applications and sharing your ambitious and unique creations with the Yukon Prize Jury!!

Key Dates to Remember

Applications Open: August 17, 2026 Deadline to submit: November 16, 2026. 5:00 PM Longlist Announced: February 2027 Finalists Announced: End of March 2027 Yukon Prize Festival: October 1–3, 2027

As we begin the fourth edition of the Yukon Prize, we’re excited to continue creating opportunities for Yukon artists to connect with audiences and arts communities across Canada. We also hope you’ll join us for the Yukon Prize Festival, October 1–3, 2027, as we celebrate the finalists and the richness of Yukon contemporary art.

🌷 Help Art Bloom in the Yukon

Spring is a season of growth. Your gift helps Yukon artists plant new ideas, grow projects, and reach audiences near and far.
✔ Donate through our partner, the Yukon Arts Foundation via Canada Helps.
✔ Receive an instant charitable donation receipt by email
✔ Make an impact on the Yukon arts community

🙌🏽 Thank you for helping creativity take root in the North.

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