SK Arts is saddened to hear that Doug Townsend has passed away. Doug was a talented photographer and a prominent member of the arts community in Saskatchewan. He was involved with the Photographers Gallery in Saskatoon, where he was a Curator for several years. He also worked with the Saskatchewan Arts Board as a visual arts consultant in Regina and Saskatoon until retirement.

SK Arts is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) and nominations for professional artists or arts professionals to join our Board of Directors. Interested applicants can read more about board member roles, review relevant governance policies and submit their EOIs using the fillable PDF form on our website.

SK Arts will host one-hour information sessions in North Battleford, Saskatoon, and online for artists interested in submitting to the Permanent Collection Purchase Program Open Call. For more information, please contact Consultant Belinda Harrow at bharrow@sk-arts.ca. The portal opened for submissions on April 1, 2025 and will close on May 12, 2025. The next public open call following the 2025 call will be in 2027.

SK Arts is thrilled to unveil the SK Arts’ 2025 Arts of Celebration – Creation artists! This year’s showcase highlights the incredible music and theatre talent that you, the arts community, put forward for recognition and celebration. These artists, artistic leaders and arts organizations bring unique perspectives, skillsets and stories, capturing the essence of celebration, culture, and artistic expression.

SK Arts is saddened to hear of the passing of eminent Saskatchewan sculptor and arts educator Victor Cicansky. Vic was an influential art community figure whose work has left an enduring mark on the art world, particularly for his distinguishable garden-produce sculptures. His work and contributions to the field, alongside other renowned artists like Wilfe Perreault and the late Joe Fafard, will inspire future generations.

SK Arts recently announced that recommendations are open for its 2025 Arts of Celebration campaign and event. Over the next three years, the agency will focus on celebrating the province’s best and most promising artists and organizations in specific disciplines, starting with theatre and music in 2025. In future years, the event will celebrate visual and literary artists and organizations in 2026 and dance, media and multidisciplinary disciplines in 2027.

SK Arts is inviting the arts community to meet and connect with our new CEO, Lisa Bird-Wilson, at receptions in Regina on January 9, 2025 at The Artesian and Saskatoon on January 10, 2025 at The Avenue Room. We look forward to the opportunity to share Lisa’s vision and her connection to the arts and for us to continue to strengthen our creative community together.

Provincial arts funding agency SK Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Bird-Wilson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 18, 2024. Lisa is a Saskatchewan Métis and Cree writer whose award-winning novel, Probably Ruby, was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Amazon First Novel Award.

This August, the SK Arts Programs team will host in-situ sessions in southeast Saskatchewan at various locations, with in-person and virtual sessions. Program Consultants will be available for information and grant writing workshops at the following locations on the following dates.

Provincial arts funding agency SK Arts has begun its search for a new CEO to lead the agency into its next phase of growth and development. Last May, former CEO Michael Jones announced his June 2024 retirement after almost nine years with the agency.