2026 Application Information
IMPORTANT INFO
RESIDENCIES AVAILABLE: Songwriter-in-Residence (1) & Producer-in-Residence (1)
RESIDENCY DATES: Full month of January 2026
LOCATION: Dawson City, Yukon – Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in territory
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 17, 2025
HOW TO APPLY
1. Read the guidelines here.
2. Complete the application form here.
3. Apply by October 17, 2025 at 11:59pm.
4. info@dcmf.com for more info.
ELIGIBILITY
This program is open to Canadian and international* songwriters and music producers/audio engineers aged 19+ with a professional practice (at any stage in their career). Equal consideration will be given to artists working in all musical genres. Eligibility is not limited to traditional lyric-based songwriting.
Individual songwriters and producers must apply for the residencies separately; however, pairs of artists with a pre-existing working relationship or a desire to collaborate may apply to be residents together. Solo applicants are also encouraged. If selected, solo applicants will be matched with an artist working in the opposite discipline. The two residencies are concurrent.
We encourage applications from songwriters of all communities and backgrounds. Please let us know if there are any accommodations you need during the application process or the residency itself.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES AVAILABLE HERE.
APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE HERE.
*100% of travel costs are only guaranteed within Canada. Travel allowances for international applicants will be discussed upon acceptance into the program.
FACILITIES
The Songwriter-in-Residence program is hosted in the Macaulay House, constructed in 1901. This two-story furnished home is part of the Klondike National Historic Sites Complex and is centrally located within Dawson City.
There are two studio spaces and bedrooms to choose from, a living room, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and internet.
Residents also have access to DCMF’s professional recording studio, office space, and audio equipment. Access to equipment and facilities at the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture (including video & sound equipment, art supplies, print making facilities, and a performance space) can also be negotiated.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
2025 marked the 20th anniversary of our SiR program!
Since 2006, the Dawson City Music Festival has proudly operated an annual Songwriter in Residence program in partnership with the Klondike Institute of Art & Culture (KIAC), North Klondyke Highway Music Society, and Parks Canada. Each January for the last 20 years, the program has brought a songwriter to Dawson City for a month-long stay. The artist receives studio and living space at the centrally located and historic Macaulay House. Like KIAC’s Artist in Residence Program, DCMF’s Songwriter in Residence Program aims to provide an inspirational environment for creation, research, and community engagement.
DCMF opened Goldensides Studio in the spring of 2025. We have decided to expand our program to include a second residency: the Producer in Residence. The two residencies will take place concurrently and both artists will have full access to Goldensides.
Past DCMF residents have been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, received Juno Awards, and performed at some of Canada’s premier venues such as Massey Hall and the National Arts Centre.
ACCESSIBILITY
Dawson City is made up of dirt roads and elevated wooden boardwalks, often uneven, exacerbated by snowbanks and ice in the wintertime. In January, there is limited daylight so artists can expect to be in the dark when outside, except for a couple afternoon hours.
There is no public transit or taxis in Dawson, however, DCMF will pick up and drop off the artist from the airport. Many residents walk throughout the winter despite the colder temperatures as the townsite is not very big and amenities are close.
The Macaulay House has six steps up to the front door, and no ramp unfortunately. The laundry, kitchen, living room and one studio are located on the main floor. Both bedrooms, the second studio space, and a washroom (standard tub with showerhead) are located on the second floor.
Please get in touch with us at info@dcmf.com if you would like more accessibility-related information about the Macaulay House or Dawson City prior to applying.
