Limited Spots Available: Foundation Year Program at the Yukon School of Visual Arts Beginning Fall 2026

Yukon School of Visual Arts. Left and centre: Students enjoying activities. Right: Artwork by olive siemens, Foundation Year Class of 2025.

Thinking about attending art school? Now’s your chance

Spots still available for the 2026-27 Foundation Year Program at the Yukon School of Visual Arts

Join the Foundation Year Program class of ’27 in the sub-arctic community of Dawson City, Yukon, for a unique 8-month visual arts program at the Yukon School of Visual Arts. The Foundation Year program emphasises land-based learning and what it means create art in the specific context of Dawson City and within Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Territory.

Designed and run by artists, for artists, disciplines in the Foundation Year Program include painting, drawing, printmaking, bookmaking, photography, video, sculpture, installation, and performance. Students participate in field trips to important Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin cultural and heritage sites and attend lectures and workshops by local and visiting artists.

We offer:

• Small class sizes with a maximum of 15 students in the program
• Individual studio spaces in a shared environment
• Multiple exhibition opportunities
• World-renowned faculty

Yukon School of Visual Arts. Left: Print by jAfri, Foundation Year Class of 2025. Right: Work in progress by Havona Reyes, Foundation Year Class of 2025.

The Foundation Year program is equivalent to the first year of art school or a stand-alone visual arts certificate. YSOVA is part of the Faculty of Applied Arts at Yukon University, and graduates can go on the complete an arts degree at our partner schools across Canada.

The Foundation Year program may be for you if:

• You have an arts practice but haven’t attended art school and would like to evolve your visual arts skills and gain a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary art and artists.
• You have always wanted to spend a winter in a small, sub-arctic, artist community and you are open to learning about how to be a respectful guest on Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Territory.
• You are serious about studying art and are considering applying to a college or university art/design program but would like a first-year experience in a small, attentive program, before attending a larger institution.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until: July 15, 2026

For more information on how to apply, visit the Admission Requirements page.

New to putting together a portfolio? We are happy to offer portfolio reviews, simply email us and we can set up a virtual meeting.

Yukon School of Visual Arts
994 Third Avenue
Dawson City, YT Y0B 1G0
yukonsova.net
info@yukonsova.ca
867-993-6390
@yukonsova