Culture in Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan we share experiences that define our culture, rooted in our shared sense of place. Our cultural expression comes in many forms including:
- languages
- heritage
- stories
- traditions
- rituals
- spirituality
- inventions
- products
We experience and reflect our culture daily, through a variety of activities, such as:
- creation
- preservation
- research
- presentation
- appreciation
- participation
- education; and
- professional development and training
Pride of Saskatchewan: A Policy Where Culture, Community and Commerce Meet
Pride of Saskatchewan is rooted in the idea that collaboration around common goals creates synergy that helps strengthen the culture sector. This Policy represents the key areas of focus for the Government of Saskatchewan and guides decision-making at all levels as it relates to art, culture and creative industries.
The Arts Professions Act
This Act recognizes Saskatchewan artists as professional with a clear definition of what a professional artist is and increases protection for them and their intellectual property by requiring written contracts. The Act also promotes their valuable contribution to our province and economy and recognizes the importance of fair compensation to professional artist.
Provincial Cultural Organizations:
Saskatchewan Arts Board (SAB)
The oldest public arts funder in North America, and second oldest in the world after the Arts Council of Great Britain, the SAB provides grants, programs, and services to individuals and groups whose activities have an impact on the arts in Saskatchewan. The SAB annually celebrates the achievements in all arts disciplines bringing artists, arts organizations, patrons of the arts and members of the business community together to recognize the enormous contributions of the arts in our community through:
Creative Saskatchewan
Working to achieve a future where Saskatchewan's creative producers continue to realize diverse commercial opportunities in national international and emerging markets, Creative Saskatchewan is a leader supporting collaboration, entrepreneurial capacity and innovation.
SaskCulture
A non-profit, community-driven cultural organization that works with cultural organizations and other community partners to build a culturally vibrant province. SaskCulture offers grant programs, network opportunities, partnerships, promotions, training, as well as support for diversity and inclusiveness, including:
artsVest Saskatchewan
A sponsorship training and matching incentive program of Business for the Arts run in Saskatchewan with funding from Canadian Heritage and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.
Provincial Museums and Heritage Parks:
Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM)
Explore Saskatchewan and your world - the past, the present, and the future, as never before. A natural history museum offering life and earth sciences, as well as aboriginal history.
Government House
Built in 1891, and declared a Heritage property in 1991, Government House boasts engaging exhibits, an interpretive centre, an art exhibition gallery, and a feature exhibit space. The property also includes 8.5 acres of beautiful Edwardian Gardens, a hands-on play space for our younger visitors and a lush conservatory to soak in the sunshine.
Western Development Museum (WDM)
The WDM’s mandate is to collect, preserve, and exhibit objects of historical value and importance connected with the economic and cultural development of western Canada and to stimulate interest in western Canadian history. Their vision is a Saskatchewan where everyone belongs and histories matter.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Striving to grow and develop as a centre of excellence and a place for gathering, sharing and learning, Wanuskewin's mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of the evolving cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. Their vision is that Wanuskewin will be a living reminder of the peoples’ sacred relationship with the land.