For all its gold rush fame, Dawson City is also a small arts town, and the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture, usually called KIAC, is at the centre of it. KIAC runs the Odd Gallery, a contemporary art space with changing exhibitions by Yukon and visiting artists, and supports artist residencies, workshops and community programmes. It is also linked to the Yukon School of Visual Arts, which trains artists in the old town. The result is a lively scene for a community of a couple of thousand people, and visitors who walk in are often surprised by the quality of the work. Entry to the gallery is free or by donation, and the staff are usually glad to talk about what is on and what is happening in the local arts community.
Exhibitions change through the year, so the best way to find out what is on is to check the KIAC website or call in at the building on arrival. The programme usually mixes painting, photography, sculpture, video and installation, and the work often engages with northern landscapes, Indigenous perspectives and the history of the Klondike in ways that are fresh and unexpected. It makes a fine counterpoint to the heritage buildings and the Parks Canada tours, and it is a place where you can see how living artists respond to the same history.
KIAC is active through much of the year, and that matters in a town where many attractions close for the winter. If you are visiting in the colder months, the gallery is a warm, quiet place to spend an hour, and special events such as artist talks, screenings and workshops may be on. In summer the programme is busier, and Dawson hosts festivals in music, film and the arts, many of which involve KIAC or the people who work with it. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre for current dates.
If you are interested in buying art, ask about local artists and studios. Dawson is home to painters, printmakers, jewellers and craftspeople, and a purchase made directly from the maker is a good way to take home something distinctive. The town also has bookshops, small galleries and craft stores that are worth a browse between tours.
A visit takes about an hour, more if you attend an event. The building is in the centre of town, an easy walk from most hotels, and pairs well with a coffee stop and a visit to the Dawson City Museum. For anyone who likes to see a place through its artists as well as its history, it is one of the most rewarding stops in the Klondike, and a reminder that the story of Dawson did not end in 1899.
When to go
Weekday afternoons are usually quiet, and openings or talks tend to fall in the evening, so check the calendar if you want company. The gallery is small enough that you will not feel rushed, and staff are often happy to explain how a particular show connects to the town. It is also a useful stop for finding out what else is happening, from film nights to music, and for picking up posters, prints and cards made locally.
A final thought
Small arts organisations depend on visitors, so a donation, a purchase or a kind word goes a long way, and it is a pleasant way to give something back to the town.
What to expect
The experience
A contemporary art gallery with changing exhibitions, plus talks, workshops and residencies run by the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture.
Best time
Any time of year, since the programme runs beyond the summer season. Check current hours before you go.
How long
About an hour, longer if you attend an event.
Tips
Check the website for what is on, ask about artist talks, and consider buying work directly from local artists.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers and visitors who want to see what Dawson is like today.
- Families
- A quiet stop that suits curious older children, though it is not a hands-on attraction.
- Couples
- A pleasant, unhurried hour with a different view of the town.
- Pair with
- The Dawson City Museum and the Robert Service and Jack London sites.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Is the Odd Gallery free?+
Entry has generally been free or by donation. Confirm with KIAC when you plan your visit.
Is it open in winter?+
KIAC is active through much of the year, but hours vary, so check the website or call before you go.
What kind of art is shown?+
Contemporary work by Yukon and visiting artists, including painting, photography, sculpture, video and installation.
Can I buy local art?+
Yes. Ask at the gallery or the Visitor Information Centre about local artists, studios and craft shops.
How long should I allow?+
About an hour is enough for the gallery, longer if there is a talk or screening.
