Released on March 17, 2010
Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the first cultural policy in more than 25 years. Pride of Saskatchewan: A Policy Where Culture, Community and Commerce Meet outlines the principles and priorities that will guide the development of the arts, culture and heritage sector in Saskatchewan.
"Culture contributes to innovation, economic growth and quality of life," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "To strengthen Saskatchewan's cultural sector, we need to foster artistic excellence and creativity, promote shared stewardship, facilitate public access and engagement, build community capacity and increase economic success."
Pride of Saskatchewan is a framework that aligns culture, community and commercial activities to maximize on the social and economic benefits of culture. At its heart is an idea that collaboration around common goals and the synergy it creates is key to strengthening the sector. As a planning and decision-making resource, it will help focus and further strengthen Saskatchewan's already vibrant culture. It aims to reflect and foster culture as defined by people and communities of all types, inclusive of First Nations and Métis people, small towns, big cities and the culture sector.
Pride of Saskatchewan responds to more than 25 years of cultural policy discussions. Also released today was Moving from Reflection to Action: Towards a Cultural Policy for Saskatchewan, a summary document presenting the results of research and public dialogue which supported the development of the policy, including the Community Dialogue sessions. Both documents are available on-line at www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca.
"I want to thank the hundreds of people who participated in the process and who spoke passionately on the importance of culture to our society," Duncan said. "We listened and we acted. A vibrant culture attracts talented and creative people, helps stimulate business development, spurs population growth and revitalizes our communities, making them destination points for tourists and magnets for business."
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Johnson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5805