Application Info
2026 Application Submission: Saturday, April 18 to midnight Saturday, May 9.
ELIGIBILITY
This award is open to Yukon-based creators in all disciplines: sound, performance, sculpture, video, painting, photography, dance, craft, literature, drawing, storytelling, music, beading, poetry, film, etc.
All disciplines are eligible and will be considered for the Arctic Circle Retreat. This award is not concerned with levels of professional accomplishment, but rather is seeking to support a diverse range of Yukon artists and makers that are genuinely curious and deeply engaged with their work and the world around them.
There is no application fee. All artists based in the Yukon are encouraged to apply.
SELECTIONS
All submissions will be reviewed by a committee of artist peers in Dawson City.
AWARD
The Arctic Circle Retreat awards six residencies at the Eagle Plains Hotel.
The 2026 award includes: one-week accommodation at the Eagle Plains Hotel, $1000 honorarium, $60 per diem x 7 days, and $200 towards transportation.
The Arctic Circle Retreat aims to offer a residency that is as accessible as possible.
EXPECTATIONS
There are no expectations on how your time is spent during the retreat. You have seven days in the wilderness, with little or no distraction, to use as you wish.
We require a short report sharing your experience at Eagle Plains. Photographs may be included. This feedback is required within two weeks of your retreat conclusion.
Artists may be asked to share their work and experience at a small gathering at the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture/ Dënäkär Zho or the Yukon School of Visual Art in Dawson City. This is an additional and completely voluntary activity.
RETREAT DATES
Each retreat will be one week in length (7 nights of accommodation).
The 2026 retreat is available in the fall and winter from early September - December 01, 2026.
Artists may choose a 7 day period to suit their personal schedule. Dates are subject to hotel room availability.
The Arctic Circle Retreat is an “off season” artist retreat. The Retreat is not available during the summer tourism season. Winter road and weather conditions are to be expected and prepared for.
TRAVEL
Artists are responsible for all travel arrangements to the Eagle Plains Hotel.
Artists will be responsible for ensuring their transportation includes safety and emergency supplies conducive with winter or adverse weather conditions and driving a long distance in a remote and isolated region.
Road closures happen in both directions on the Dempster Highway. Being prepared is optimal.
Please be aware there are no medical facilities for hundreds of kilometres in either highway direction.
AMENITIES
The Eagle Plains Hotel generously offers the Arctic Circle Retreat residents these amenities:
One room with two double-beds, for single artist, or collaborative team. Rooms do not have a microwave, fridge, kettle or coffee maker in the hotel room
Free Internet and Satellite TV
Unheated outdoor work space /shed may be available. Other than the hotel room, restaurant and lounge, there are no additional heated work spaces
Restaurant hours are 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Some dietary preferences can be accommodated. The restaurant is licensed and may serve meals à la carte or buffet style depending on staffing capacity
Licensed lounge opens at 4:30 pm and closes around 9:00 pm
Laundromat
Gas, diesel, propane, tire repair, minor repair and tow truck service
Hotel is dog friendly for friendly and quiet dogs. Resident dogs have full access in and outside the Eagle Plains Hotel