The Government of Saskatchewan recently announced an additional $800,000 investment in Saskatchewan鈥檚 cultural sector with renewed funding for the Culture on the Go program. The program is designed to help Saskatchewan artists and organizations tour and present shows.
The funding is divided evenly between Creative Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Creative Saskatchewan will administer grants for commercially-focused initiatives such as support for individuals, groups and businesses to attend recognized events where demonstrated market interest has already been identifi ed, established and/ or secured. The Arts Board will fund Culture on the Go projects with the aim to provide access to the arts, to build arts appreciation and for audience development.
鈥淐ulture on the Go benefi ts Saskatchewan artists and audiences as it promotes cultural activities within Saskatchewan, across Canada and internationally,鈥� Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. 鈥淭he success of Saskatchewan鈥檚 creative industries contributes to our economy and the work of Saskatchewan artists enhances our quality of life.鈥�
Saskatoon鈥檚 Sum Theatre took its original production, My Rabbi, on a four-city international tour with the support of a Culture on the Go grant.
鈥淭he tour put us on the national and international stage as a company that produces relevant and exciting new Canadian theatre,鈥� play co-writer and actor and Sum Theatre Artistic Director Joel Bernbaum said. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to the Arts Board for providing this foundational piece of my growth as a theatre artist.鈥�
The Culture on the Go program began in 2009. Since its inception, the government has invested more than $5.6 million to support Saskatchewan artists and art organizations.
Thousands of Saskatchewan residents, and many more beyond our border, have enjoyed access to Saskatchewan art and artists through the program.
In this spring鈥檚 balanced provincial budget, overall funding for arts, culture and heritage organizations remained stable for 2015-16.
