The Old Fire Hall has opened its door for its first full year of arts performances.

A pilot project last summer saw 60 events in 90 days, Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor said at Friday's opening of the First Avenue building.

A partnership among the ministry, the Yukon Arts Centre and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is renewing last year's successes by opening the Old Fire Hall as a year-round arts and culture venue, at least until March 31, 2009.

"We're celebrating what makes us proud to be Yukoners," said Taylor.

The grand re-opening of the facility saw local musician Dave Haddock strumming his guitar under the glare of stage lighting, providing an ambiance reflective of the year to come.

Chamber president Rick Karp told the approximate 40 attendees the Old Fire Hall's new use will revitalize the downtown core.

"Businesses in the downtown core benefit from the Old Fire Hall and all the activities going on there," he said.

"We hope to develop the traffic flow downtown ... let's get to it!"

The arts centre will run the Old Fire Hall's shows, explained new CEO Al Cushing.

He said the venue will be open for anyone who wants to host an arts or culture events, and (the arts centre) will also be actively seeking out performers to play.

"A couple of shows are already booked," he said.

These include a first nation arts show and a live broadcast from CBC.

"There'll be nothing but growth for this venue," he said.

The grand opening was emceed by Patrick Matheson, the arts centre's technical director.

In true artistic expression and quirk, Matheson donned traditional fire boots, pants and hat to officially open the Old Fire Hall as an arts and culture venue.