Success Stories

Art councils contribute to quality of life within communities

Life-long learning opportunities enrich the musical lanscape in Saskatchewan

Podcast builds awareness around disability culture

Culture 365: Enjoying cultural experiences year-round

Highlighting cultural activities all year-round is a great way to keep people engaged. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate Culture Days all year long?

Report demonstrates economic impact of arts funding in Saskatchewan

The repost showed that for every dollar invested by the provincial government, arts organizations generated another $13.70 of economic output.

Beading connects youth to culture and develops patience

Honour groups program a symphony of success

The power of theatre supports personal development

Festival site inspires teachings about the land

Participatory grant-making strengthens relationships and funding options

Supporting Truth and Reconciliation: Culture Days encourages communities to host Truth and Reconciliation activities

Battlefords Community Players Celebrates 75 Years Thanks to Volunteers

Travelling Artist Takes Music Lessons to Underserved Communities

Dream Brokers: Creative programs popular for handling COVID

New Partnership Supports More Northern Youth

Saskatchewan Film Cooperative Prioritizes Accessibility for Members

Art as a Story: How Melanie Rose Uses Art as Expression

Re-Imagining Cultural Intersections: Exploring Connections Between Indigenous and Newcomer Artists

A Lasting Legacy: Building Support for Cultural Activity in the North

CARFAC Mentorship Continues Connections Online

Augmented reality Creates Moving Pictures: Increases Accessibility to Art Work

Take­-home Arts and Craft Kits Popular During Pandemic

Mentorship Provides Opportunity to Share Métis Culture

Culture Days Supports Community-Building in Weyburn

More Than Just Theatre: GTNT Students Connect to Their Cultural Identity

A Lens on Culture

Finding a Connection to the Land Through Art

Curiosity, Engagement and Listening Key to Innovative Program and Leadership

A World of Diversity on a Small Stage

Drawing to Their Own Beat

Circus Arts Inspires Northern Saskatchewan Kids

Working Together to Help Children Access Cultural Activities

Creighton Celebrates Culture Days

How a community recognizes its local culture

Cultural Project Combines Arts, Biology and Design

Students bring together art and science in the classroom

Love of Theatre Growing in the North

Northern Saskatchewan students build their own stories

All Folk’d up - A unique festival celebrates Montmartre’s rural roots

Many believe the genuine roots of culture stem from music, and for the past five years, a unique music festival has been putting the cultural heritage of one Saskatchewan village on the map.

Moving Forward, Never Forgetting - Encouraging intercultural dialogue and empathy through art

It has been said that art has the capacity to express the inexpressible, and a new exhibition at the MacKenzie Art Gallery (MAG) hopes to give a voice to what often goes unsaid, and attract a large audience in doing so.

ARTforLIFE creates lasting legacy for students and teachers alike

A visual art-based education program at Saskatoon’s Mendel Art Gallery combines both, and is building a creative legacy that will leave a mark on teachers and students for years to come.

Red Hot Riot leads a fun evening of fundraising for Creative Kids

Creative Kids teamed up four-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee Jayden Pfeifer, of the comedy variety show Red Hot Riot, for an evening of laughter, mayhem and music, with all of it contributing to a great cause.

The Station Arts Centre brings a community together

As the demographics of small town Saskatchewan change in the new millennium, local cultural centres are seeking new ways to engage with their communities. The station Arts Centre in Rosthern is one such centre that is setting a great example.

Creative Kids descends into Creative Mayhem

Sons of Anarchy star, Kim Coates, helps fundraise for Creative Kids in Saskatoon through an evening of "Creative Mayhem".

Popular touring workshop engages artists and Saskatchewan students

Every fall, for nearly 30 years, a troupe of Saskatchewan artists has jumped aboard a van and hit the road to provide arts workshops to students in schools all across the province.

Collaboration and Cultures: Curtain Razors brings Aztec heritage to the Prairies

Theatre has the power to transport us to new, imaginary worlds, and recently, Regina’s Curtain Razors brought a new world to life in their unique international performance, "Codice Remix."

OSAC – connecting communities with the arts for 45 years

The organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils has been making the arts more accessible to the people of Saskatchewan for 45 years.

Retreat helps Aboriginal youth share their stories

In August 2012, the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild (SWG), in partnership with the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC), hosted the first annual Bringing Back the Buffalo: Aboriginal Youth Writers’ Retreat in Regina.

Students recognize First Nations and Métis leaders

Building community ties and connections is challenging for large, rural school divisions. However, some divisions make these connections a vital part of their students’ education.

Interactive workshop helps students learn about Métis tradition

Gravelbourg’s Camille Bell was invited by teacher Anita Clarke to Mossbank School where Bell spent a day presenting Métis traditions to elementary school children.

Partnership connects newcomers with a sense of community

Building a sense of home and place can sometimes be a daunting task for newcomers, especially youth. The Saskatchewan Organization of Heritage Languages (SOHL) and the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative partnered to present a one-day workshop.

Summer employment at the Filmpool beneficial for all

It's not often that a budding filmmaker finds a summer job that will complement his or her future career and passion perfectly, but that was exactly the case for Mattias Graham.

Emerging Saskatchewan artists: talent to watch

Popular fiddle fest continues to grow

The annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest has come a long way in 15 years. It has grown from offering a few fiddle work-shops to an eventful, four-day festival, held at Windy Acres in Saskatoon, featuring concerts, competitions, dances and performances.

Storytelling through digital animation

For many organizations, keeping up with technology can be a daunting task, such as using new tools in the workplace, incorporating new skills into daily life, or keeping up with social media trends.

Animateur work gives dancer pride in her province

Creating art is usually a personal experience for an artist. The process of creation usually occurs in studios out of sight, which often results in work that can be shared with the public.

Community support key to Creative Kids

Only in its first year of operation, Creative Kids has already found success in serving Saskatchewan communities.

Summer work leaves impression in North Central

Charlotte Hauk’s job is unique. “I might be the only person doing this kind of stuff, at least in Regina,” she says. It’s probably true.

Artists Provide Spark for Vibrant Communities

Individuals and communities have an interesting dynamic; it’s hard to think of one without the other and decide who builds whom.

Engaging Youth in a World of Art

Saskatchewan artist, Gabriel Yahkakeekoot of Beardys and Okemasis First Nations was hard at work this past year helping First Nations youth connect to the arts.

Festival experience, local history sites and rural charm attract return tourism

painting together inspires inclusion

Theatre company builds their community through performance coaching and encouragement

Former Creative Kids recipients now champions for cause

Since its formation in 2010, Creative Kids has helped support thousands of children and youth, who faced financial and social barriers, access meaningful ongoing arts and cultural activities.

Small grant has big impact for Sound of Afghanistan

The group’s access to the Small Grant Accessibility Program provided them with the support to continue their role of healing and spreading their message through music.

Dance develops strength, flexibility, confidence and a connection to culture

Nature inspires students' art

Writing program a safe space for youth to explore and create

Increasing accessibility in organizations: Partnership helps shift culture around accessibility

Supporting Truth and Reconciliation practices: Decolonizing begins with building relationships

Increasing participation in cultural experiences post-pandemic: Encouraging folks to “Find the Fun” at in-person cultural experiences

Volunteer Helps Cultural Centre on a Sustainable Path Forward

Volunteer Peer Assessors Offer Diverse Perspectives and Experience

New grant program provides more responsive and flexible funding structure

Creative Kids benefits from this year’s India Night Gala proceeds

MacKenzie Art Gallery Faces IDEA Head On

Connections to Others Key to Common Ground

Room for Exploring Cultures Together at the Reading Place

Cathedral Village Arts Festival Adapts Quickly to Engage Online

New Program Brings Poetry and Stage into Students’ Homes

Finding new Ways to Safely engage

The Show will Go On!

Smooth transition to Online for Saskatchewan Writers' Guild

Dream Broker Programming Helps Build Student Confidence

Stegner Residence: A Home for Creativity

Building Community and Sharing Culture Through Art

Report Shows Saskatchewan Citizens Spend Less Time on Leisure and Culture

New Theatre Company Shares Stories of Newcomers

Circus Arts a Big Hit in the North

Innovating Art and Cultural Understanding

Culture Days in Saskatchewan - Increasing Community Engagement

Traditional Languages Meet New Form of Self Expression

Meme-making workshops help Northern youth reconnect to their roots

New Skills Help Northern Youth Share Stories and Culture

Creative project provides technological opportunities

Jeffery Straker

Getting from then to now

Music Program Promotes Healing Through the Arts

Students find a creative outlet through music

It's Not Baroque and She's Bach this Year: Meet Della Beal

This summer will be the 29th SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and the 24th year that Della Beal has volunteered with the Saskatoon festival.

Touring Through a Cultural Landscape

Highway 1 Studio Tour brings local artists out into the limelight

Buffalo Pound Round Dance helps to highlight Métis culture

Ashley Norton, co-founder of the Wiichihiwayshinawn Foundation (“We are Helpers” in Michif), brought together a group of dancers from all over Saskatchewan to perform a contemporary jig dance at the Ice and Fire Festival, held in Regina, February 2013.

Saskatchewan Writers' Guild leading the way on diversity in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Writers' Guild has evolved to offer more programs and services, to serve a larger and more diverse membership and province.

CARFAC bridges gap with Aboriginal artists

Several years ago, CARFAC Saskatchewan (Canadian Artists’ Representation/le Front Des Artistes Canadiens) identified a gap in terms of its service to, and engagement with, the Aboriginal artist community.

Culture Days includes 'amazing race': How one town got everyone running for culture!

The Town of Kindersley has been involved with Culture Days since its debut in Saskatchewan in 2010. In 2013, Kindersley upped its game, holding a number of activities including an innovative engagement opportunity called “Amazing Race: K-Town Edition*".

Saskatoon’s Street Meet Festival: challenging perceptions of public art

This past summer, from July 5-7, 2013, Saskatoon’s AKA Gallery and a group of renowned artists to create Saskatoon’s first annual street meet Festival.

Gateway Festival has positive community impact for nearly a decade

For almost ten years, the Gateway Music Festival held in Bengough, SK has been entertaining audiences and providing a unique opportunity for Saskatchewan musicians to play alongside internationally acclaimed artists.

Production shares important Métis history

Live theatre has the power to touch audiences in a way few other art forms can. The play The Trial of Louis Riel has been reaching out and touching people with its story for 47 years.

Youth connect with culture through summer music camp

In July 2012, over 80 youth from Regina and Saskatoon participated in a first of its kind summer music camp.

Art as a catalyst for cultural connections

Art and creativity can be a powerful tool to bring people together and help them to learn from one another. This concept is something that the MacKenzie Art Gallery (MAG) in Regina has recognized and has been working with for several years.

Media workshop opening doors for newcomers to Saskatoon

Media workshop opening doors for newcomers to Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company’s upcoming production to focus on empowering multicultural themes

This upcoming spring, the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company (SNTC) will be showcasing a touching and inspirational story about a young girl discovering her cultural identity.

Collaboration a big part of new music alliance

In 2007, five provincial music organizations, supported by SaskCulture and Saskatchewan Lotteries, entered into discussions as a way to investigate collaborative possibilities and create new synergies.

Moose Jaw Art Gallery & Museum acquires suite of Carl Beam Etchings

The Columbus Project, a large body of work by the late Aboriginal artist Carl Beam represents a repossession of indigenous identity and is considered a prominent historical milestone.

Saskatchewan Arts Alliance buzzing about buttons

It’s all about bringing several existing parts together and adding in your own dash, statement and individuality.

Weyburn sees Culture Days Success

Culture Days is still an opportunity to many communities. Those considering taking the opportunity to organize a Culture Days activity or event may want to check out Weyburn’s example.

Students go digital as part of Treaty Learning

Students from Balcarres learned that the art of film, audio and digital photography can create a fascinating opportunity to learn about Treaties in Saskatchewan.

Northern District highlights artists in new handbook

The Northern Sport, Culture and Recreation District (NSCRD) has developed the Northern Saskatchewan Arts & Culture Handbook, a colourful, 50- page publication, which highlights many of the region’s creative talent.

Symphony makes new home in Saskatoon inner-city

Ready to move forward, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO) plans to bring sweet music to the Saskatoon community of Riversdale.

Common Weal Continues to Connect Communities and the Arts

Every community has a challenge to face. Through its work, Common Weal has shown how arts and culture can be used to help nurture positive change in communities and help them face their adversity.

Giving Youth the Tools They Need to Create

Ramses Calderon is a busy man. The El Salvadorn-born resident of Regina is a writer, musical scholar and innovative musician who incorporates traditional instruments and rhythms into his compositions.

Historic elevator museum a tourism draw for Val Marie

Photography project instills multicultural understanding through moments of joy

By us for us: Innovation towards equity in arts funding

The inclusive and equitable program design, resulted in many new first-time applicants and another success with the participatory grant-making process.

Increasing involvement in cultural experiences: Back to Batoche gets record attendance in 2023

Themed the ‘Year of the Youth’, the 2023 event was designed to engage more young people.

Active engagement in cultural activity benefits youth

Hip Hop Workshop Develops Voice of Northern Youth

SaskExpress offers theatre training, opportunities and lasting friendships

Youth empowered to express themselves authentically

Increasing equity and belonging for youth: Teaching hoop dancing helps build cultural connections

Helping children and youth access cultural activities: Raising funds key to increased access

Increasing support for best practices for non-profits: Building a strong foundation for the future

Métis Local Connects Community Through Moccasin-making

Training helps staff become allies in change

Listening to Community Leads to Meaningful Support

New Champion Says Access to Dance a Life-Changer

Access to songwriting and dance important to well-being

Embracing Differences: Learning First-Hand from Cultural Ambassadors

After-School Program Engages Children in Music

New Strategies Help Creative Kids in Saskatchewan

Online Band Concerts Keep Music Lovers Engaged

New Program Keeping Bands Together

Keeping Museum Conversations Online

Winding Words with Saskatchewan Festival of Words

Everyone Has a Story to Tell

Learning Cultures and Building Literacy through the Arts

Some young Regina students are learning and getting immersed in cultures through innovative art program.

Connecting the heART to Wellbeing

Beading Program Re-Connects Students to Their Culture and Traditions

Sandra Butel – Value-Based Approach to Festival Experience

Creating a New Path Through Music

Wrapped in Love: The Moss Bag Project

Resilience and Respect: Canada 150 and Beyond

Creating Connections in the North

Workshop tour creates an inspiring experience for both artists and students

The Kiwek Project

St. Francis School in Saskatoon partners with artists from the Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre to create a Cree language play interpreted from the Hollywood movie Jumanji.

LIVE Arts: Bringing the Arts to Life

Introducing Saskatchewan artists to students

Silent No More

Lessons Learned through Dance

Literary Acclaim Meets Small-City Charm

A look into the Saskatchewan Festival of Words

Raising the Bar: Exploring Indigenous culture through game creation

Culture, games and sport all play an important role in a community, and a recent ArtsSmarts initiative set out to explore that connection through art and collaborative learning.

Living Histories – Treaty education in living sky school Division

There is more than one way to tell a story and the living sky school Division is bringing Treaty education to life through cultural experiences.

Spoken word brings Cree language to life for students

Some may consider older styles of poetry to be dead, but a Saskatoon education coordinator is using the medium to bring the Cree language to life, and her students are reaping the rewards.

Competition unites community theatre in Saskatchewan

Every year, several theatre groups compete the top prize at Theatre Saskatchewan’s TheatreOne competition.

Memory boxes and art engage seniors

For several months in late 2013, about 20 senior citizens from the Regina-area have been creating memory boxes and paintings based on their own personal stories and narratives.

Partnerships Help Us Understand the Art

Mann Art Gallery engages community through art

People of all ages from the Prince Albert area have been discovering their inner artist thanks to a partnership between the Mann Art Gallery and a local business.

White City School sings the blues

It is said that music changes lives, and a musical collaboration between a local school teacher and an internationally acclaimed blues musician has done just that.

Saving PAVED’s video history from the disintegration of time

PAVED Arts has preserved an often overlooked part of Saskatchewan’s cultural history.

Balcarres students recognize the role of First Nations and Métis people in their community

In some communities, role models are merely people to be admired. While they also admire their role models in Balcarres, some students at Balcarres Community School are also preserving their role models for “posterity”.

Métissage: collaboration increases reach

Amazing connections can be made, and powerful ideas can blossom when organizations come together to work collaboratively on a project.

Artists part of celebrating 100-year old Legislative Building

This year, Saskatchewan artist Laura Hale has been hired to creatively engage others in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Legislature Building.

Culture Synk brings out the creative voice of youth

The youth in the northern Saskatchewan Village of Sandy Bay felt they had nothing to do, or at least that is how they saw it until a group of artists known as Culture Synk came to the village for six days to create a collaborative music video project call

PAVED Arts Outreach: leaving a lasting community legacy

Over the past five years PAVED Arts has made outreach programming a priority for Saskatchewan’s media arts community.

Saskatchewan youth selected as national arts leader

It was a surprise to Broadview School student Adam Wyatt when his mother asked him if he would like to travel to Toronto to participate in a new program focused on youth leadership initiated by ArtsSmarts called the 21st Century Youth Creativity Challenge

Yorkton Film Festival celebrates 65th anniversary

Bright lights will be shining on Yorkton this May as the city welcomes film-lovers from across the country. The Yorkton Film Festival is the longest running film festival in North America.

Cinergie continues to grow thanks to MIF

Every year in Saskatoon the Federation des Francophones de Saskatoon host the Cinergie Festival. The festival has been advertised as one of Saskatchewan’ most unique arts and culture festivals and this year.

Rising star from the north

For those of you that think mastering the fiddle at 15 years old is an accomplishment, try playing one while balancing on stilts. Tristen Durocher of La Ronge, has been playing violin for the past five years.

Building year for La Troupe du Jour

Recognized nationally for its original works and unique theatre experience, La Troupe du Jour is much more than entertaining, it is a major force in keeping the Fransaskois culture alive in the province.

Tapping into the Northern Spirits

As reality shows, such as Canadian Idol or So Youth Think you Can Dance, continue to capture the attention of aspiring talent, Saskatchewan’s northern youth have an even better opportunity to show their stuff.

Podium 2010: Saskatchewan Hosts National Choir Conference

Choral voices from across the country converged in Saskatoon in 2010. For the first time in 16 years, Saskatchewan co-hosted the Association of Canadian Choral Communities Biennial.