SAA Announces New Executive Director
Em Ironstar
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada — 16 September 2021: The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Em Ironstar as the new Executive Director. Ironstar will be instrumental in the ongoing work on SAA’s emerging strategic plan.
After 23 years as Executive Director, Marnie Gladwell will be retiring at the end of 2021. Congrats to Marnie, a long-standing leader and ally of the arts, for a critical job well done!
“On behalf of the Board of Director's, I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Em Ironstar to the role of Executive Director of Saskatchewan Arts Alliance,” states SAA president Jaime Boldt. “Our goal was to find a dynamic and energetic artistic leader who understood the vision and mission of SAA and wanted to build on the success of SAA. Em's passion and commitment to the arts and culture sector is evident in her personal and professional achievements. I know she will honour SAA's essential values, while charting a bright new course for the future.”
“I am absolutely honoured and thrilled to be taking on the role of Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance, says Ironstar. “I have said for years that if the position ever became available, I would be eager to apply because of my deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the arts community of Saskatchewan. I believe the diversity of my experience working in the arts and cultural sectors over the past decade will help position me to lead the SAA effectively to build a province where arts and artists are supported and valued as essential to a complete and healthy society. I look forward to working together with the staff, board, members, funders and all stakeholders of the SAA to move forward the new strategic plan as we step out of the pandemic and into a new chapter of inclusive arts excellence in our province.”
Throughout her career, Ironstar has championed the arts in Saskatchewan and worked closely with artists and arts organizations. She will be working closely with Executive Director Marnie Gladwell, the staff and board of directors to move the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance into its new strategic direction. Ironstar will be joining the SAA on October 4, 2021.
About Ironstar
Em Ironstar (she/her) is a visual artist and arts administrator living and working in Treaty 4 territory in Regina, SK. She graduated from the University of Regina in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (Honours) in Print Media. Upon graduation, she co-founded the printmaking studio, Articulate Ink which has provided a home base to printmakers in Regina for over ten years.
Professionally, Em has held positions with several provincial cultural organizations, including the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, SaskCulture and most recently, as Community Engagement Coordinator at the Museums Association of Saskatchewan, where she led organizational communications as well as worked with museums throughout the province by coordinating the Museum Network Program and other community engagement initiatives. She has also worked as a freelance consultant in communications and event planning for many organizations, including the Saskatchewan Library Association, Sâkêwêwak Artists Collective, Heritage Saskatchewan and more.
