KIAC SOVA changes Name to Yukon School of Visual Arts

The Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture School of Visual Arts (KIAC SOVA), located in Dawson  City, changed its name this week to the Yukon School of Visual Arts.

The change reflects the school’s growing territorial impact and differentiates the school from other arts groups in Dawson City.

“SOVA has transformed our community and enriched the territory,” said Karen Dubois, KIAC Executive Director and SOVA Governing Council Member. "Clearly the school is now larger than just the Klondike, and this name change reflects the significance this small school has for all Yukoners."

Changing the name also gives the school an opportunity to establish a distinct identity for the program and clear up any confusion with the affiliated but distinct Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC).

“KIAC was generous to share their name and brand equity for the first three years of this program,” said Karen Barnes, Vice President, Education and Training. “We expect this name change will enhance SOVA’s attractiveness to Canadians—nearly two thirds of SOVA’s students come from other regions of the country.”

SOVA has welcomed students from all parts of Canada for the first year of a Fine Arts degree since 2005. Operated as a partnership by the Dawson City Arts Society (DCAS), Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, and Yukon College, SOVA provides students with a unique northern education accredited by Yukon College that is transferable to partner institutes across Canada.