Sustainable Growth Allows for Increased Investment in Arts and Culture

Released on July 3, 2014

Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty announced increased amounts in the 2014-15 grants for arts and culture organizations in Saskatchewan.

“With the province’s economy growing in a sustainable way, I am pleased we are able to increase support to our important arts and culture organizations, which contribute to the rich quality of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan,” Docherty said.  “This increase, along with the unprecedented five year extension renewal of the lottery agreement in January, demonstrates this government’s appreciation of the importance of this sector to the province.”

With this year’s $45.13 million in funding, the overall provincial government investment in the arts, culture and heritage sectors has increased 39 per cent in the last seven years compared to the previous seven year period.

One year ago, Creative Saskatchewan was established and in its first year, has proven to be a strong support for the province’s professional artists, providing more than $3.5 million to assist in marketing the works of all creative industries.  This spring’s Steady Growth Budget provides $7.699 million to Creative Saskatchewan in 2014-15, an increase of $1.2 million over the previous year.

After a five per cent increase last year, the Saskatchewan Arts Board will receive an additional three per cent in 2014-15, for a total eight per cent rise in their funding.

Creative Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Arts Board will also be receiving $600,000 and $200,000 respectively to distribute through the Culture on the Go program for commercial and non-commercial tours.  The two organizations will be providing grants for Saskatchewan artists to present and market their work and for people across Saskatchewan to have access to professional creators.

Several of Saskatchewan’s most visited institutions, the Western Development Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre and the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, all received three per cent increases in funding over last year.

As the artsVest™ Saskatchewan program enters its fourth year, the Saskatchewan government investment of $1 million ($250,000 per year) since 2010 has resulted in $1 million in matching funds from Heritage Canada and more than $2.4 million in partnerships with Saskatchewan’s forward-thinking business communities.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St.George
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.st.george@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635