Yukon – The cultural industries play a vital role in the Yukon’s economy. They contribute to employment, retail sales and the territory’s cultural tourism offerings. This important sector also supports community development and the preservation of cultural identity.
Dr.Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister of PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $114,000 in the Northern Cultural Expressions Society (NCES). NCES’s three-year Market and Export Readiness project will provide business-related training to First Nations artists in the Yukon. This training includes developing a marketing plan and website, and creating a framework for artists to successfully scale-up and launch domestic and international marketing and sales.
Through investments like this, the government of Canada is supporting the expansion and diversification of the Yukon’s cultural industries. Opening new markets to Yukon First Nations artists brings economic benefits to the communities they operate in, and contributes to a more diversified and inclusive economy.
“Our government supports the development of a vibrant and thriving visual arts industry in the Yukon. Through this project, young First Nations artists will build their careers in the arts industry, contributing to cultural tourism, retail sales, and community engagement. Their creative contributions will enrich the cultural landscape and further stimulate economic activity.” – Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor
“The Yukon is home to many talented and innovative artists. To help artists build their platforms and to help enrich our territory’s diverse cultural industries, we are investing in Northern Cultural Expressions Society. NCE’s project will allow young artists to build key marketing skills, bringing their art to new markets, enhancing economic prosperity and enriching the cultural fabric of the territory.” – Dr Brendan Hanley, MP for the Yukon