Released on January 29, 2009
The province is continuing to take action to support Saskatchewan artists
Today, Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell and the Saskatchewan Arts Board unveiled the pilot program Culture on the Go: Touring and Market Access at Regina's Globe Theatre. The $800,000 annual program will help cover the costs for artists who "take the show on the road".
"For many artists and arts groups in Saskatchewan, touring is a vital part of their business, but the costs can be prohibitive," Tell said. "Culture on the Go will help make it possible for Saskatchewan artists to further their careers and share their art, music or performances with people all over the province and, in some cases, out of the province and even out of the country. This will help people everywhere better appreciate the fine work of our artists and give them more insight into Saskatchewan's strong and vibrant culture."
Culture on the Go will be administered by the Saskatchewan Arts Board with an application-driven and peer-adjudicated process. The Arts Board will establish a Touring Advisory Panel (TAP) to help shape Culture on the Go and ensure it complements existing touring programs.
"The Arts Board welcomes this partnership with the Ministry which will serve the people of Saskatchewan through access to the arts and the development of opportunities for our artists," Saskatchewan Arts Board executive director Jeremy Morgan said. "It stands as a shining example of how Saskatchewan recognizes and celebrates the significant role that the arts play in our lives and in the vitality of our communities."
Culture on the Go and the Building Pride pilot program (announced January 20) are part of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport's Research and Development Strategy. This strategy focuses on testing innovative and creative new ideas for cultural programs. Future programs will be announced once their details have been finalized.
Details of the Culture on the Go pilot program can be found at www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/culture-on-the-go.
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For more information, contact:
Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927
Shelly Sundholm-Vonau
Saskatchewan Arts Board
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1099