It’s time! The 20th anniversary edition of the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival is upon us. We couldn’t be more excited! Full festival details and an interactive map are available at YRAF.ca. As many returning patrons will notice, the festival has taken on a new format, informed by our longstanding care for the well-being of the community.
The core sentiment of community care has transcended all aspects of the festival, from planning to presentation. We have been working hard to incorporate innovative and unique ways of presenting music, visual arts, installations, and performances in a manner that minimizes risk and allows art-lovers to take in the work at their own pace and from their own homes. In an expression of support to local artists, we have prioritized and facilitated the creation of new work to be presented at the 2020 Yukon Riverside Arts Festival:
The festival format consists of a roaming self-guided art walk with an artist market, outdoor exhibitions, window displays, video work, installations, performances, and a roaming music stage representing dozens of local and regional artists. The festival will also be presented via broadcasts on CFYT Radio Station and cable channel 12, and in The Klondike Sun (Aug 5th issue). There will be several indoor venues including Parks Canada Yukon Klondike National Historic Sites, the KIAC Ballroom, and Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA), which will have very limited capacity and staff / volunteers ensuring physical distancing is respected.
Under regular circumstances, we would love to invite Yukoners, travelers, and tourists to join us in this celebration of arts, creativity, and culture. However, we strongly encourage people living outside of Dawson City to enjoy the 2020 Riverside Arts Festival remotely – via a professionally documented virtual experience starting Aug 17 at YRAF.ca, with help from our wonderful friends at The Yukon Arts Centre
For folks located in the Klondike area, we are closely monitoring the situation and are fully prepared to present the festival as an online-only experience, should the need arise. All changes will be communicated via the YRAF.ca website and our social media pages.
We are VERY excited to roll out the schedule and highlight all the incredible work that has been created in spite of the unprecedented times we find ourselves in.
