kluane national park artist residency

The Kluane National Park Artist Residency provides an opportunity for established visual artists to pursue work that brings together science and art through connection with the spectacular landscape of Kluane National Park and Reserve in the southwest Yukon.

With the support of the Yukon Arts Centre, Parks Canada and the Arctic Institute of North America, at the University of Calgary’s Kluane Lake Research Station (KLRS), artists are given valuable time to retreat, reflect, and focus on their work with access to researchers and scientists. The residency is the perfect setting to explore the interplay between science, conservation, and art, and give artists a chance to share and connect with people from all over the world.

About the Residency

• There are two separate 2-week residencies available each year. These are to occur between late June to August of 2025.

•  During the residency artists will be expected to present

  • three public workshops, talks, demonstrations, or events

  • two ‘artist at work’ drop in sessions

• These programs will be planned and delivered in collaboration with Parks Canada and Kluane Lake Research Station staff. The possible locations for these programs are the Kathleen Lake day use area, the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Centre, and the Kluane Lake Research Station.

• Artists will provide Partners with at least one image of a work that was initiated or worked on during the residency (by November 31st).

Things to Consider

• The Kluane Lake Research Station is located 62 km from the community of Haines Junction on the Alaska Highway. The community of Haines Junction has a grocery store, gas stations, restaurants, medical services, a laundromat, and other amenities. KLRS is 220 km from Whitehorse.

• Artists are responsible for their own transportation to and from the residency. A vehicle is strongly recommended during the residency. 

• Please ensure that you obtain appropriate travel insurance for your visit to avoid any medical expenses. The nearest nurse’s stations to the KLRS are at Destruction Bay (40 km) and Haines Junction (60 km).

• KLRS is an off-grid facility powered mainly by solar energy. Although the Artists will have a private cabin, the eating, work, and leisure spaces are shared. A washhouse facility has toilets and showers with hot water. There is no cell reception at the station. Power and limited wifi are available in common spaces, but not in cabins. Meals are prepared by a full-time Chef and we cater to variety of dietary needs. For more information and a virtual tour, see KLRS.ca

• Artists may have the option to extend their residency at KLRS at full rate (approximately $150 per night). Please note extensions are subject to station availability.

• Ground surface around the research station is unpaved, and some areas of the site, like the beach, are only accessible by foot.

• Kathleen Lake day use area does not have electricity, wifi or reliable cell service.

• There is an enclosed day use shelter at Kathleen Lake with windows looking onto the lake and surrounding mountains.

• Please note Artists are prohibited from selling their art at the public workshops or during their residency under Parks Canada regulations.