SAA Bulletin – April 2013
April 2013
April, 2013
In This Issue…
CREATIVE SASKATCHEWAN MOVES TO STANDING COMMITTEE APRIL 25
MINISTRY OF PARKS, CULTURE AND SPORT ESTIMATES
ONE YEAR COMPLEMENTARY SAA MEMBERSHIPS TO GRADUATING ARTS STUDENTS
SASKATCHEWAN ARTS ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CREATIVE SASKATCHEWAN MOVES TO STANDING COMMITTEE APRIL 25
Bill No. 89 – The Creative Saskatchewan Act completed second reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice – the bill is on the Standing Committee’s April 25th agenda. Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport staff are meeting with a working group to advise on the Bill as well as the regulations which are not yet completed. Minister Doherty noted that there is time for people to provide input on the regulations during the consultation process. The plan is for Creative Saskatchewan to be operational by September 1, 2013. The Minister anticipates that first a board of directors will be appointed then, in collaboration, the Ministry and Board will appoint an interim CEO, giving the Board time to search for the permanent CEO.
MINISTRY OF PARKS, CULTURE AND SPORT ESTIMATES
The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport presented its 2013/14 Estimates (i.e. its budget) to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice for consideration. In his opening statement, Minister Doherty spoke about his government’s plan for growth and on improving the strong quality of life in Saskatchewan.
The Minister announced plans to renew the partnership with Business for the Arts to continue the ArtsVest program. As well, the Ministry wants to ensure continued community-based sport, culture, and recreation programs and services, and is working with Sask Sport, SaskCulture, and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association to renew the lottery license agreement that expires in 2014.
Minister Doherty confirmed that of the $6.5 million for Creative Saskatchewan, $5 million is for an investment fund. The $1.5 million Creative Industry Growth and Sustainability Fund (CIGS) which the Arts Board was administering on behalf of the Ministry will be transferred to Creative Saskatchewan. Minister Doherty committed to continue funding – “as long as I’m in this chair” – the administrative requirements of those creative industry sector organizations who receive their funding through the CIGS program.
SaskFilm’s current role is being transitioned to Creative Saskatchewan and will no longer receive funding from government. Although, the Minister noted that while government is ending its financial support, as it is a non-profit entity SaskFilm could choose to continue to operate with member fees and other sources of revenue.
Creative Saskatchewan operating costs are yet to be determined though the Minister guessed they might be about $500,000. The Minister anticipates that administrative monies associated with the CIGS program and SaskFilm will support Creative Sask. operating costs. As well, pending the outcome of negotiations with the Saskatchewan Arts Board, administrative costs associated with Culture on the Go may also be a potential source.
The Conexus Arts Centre has a newly appointed interim board of directors, consisting of public servants with specific expertise from various areas of government. The board is to help Conexus management see if there is a way to eliminate the government operating subsidy. A wide array of options will be reviewed such as selling the facility or 3rd party management – two informal expressions of interest to manage or purchase the facility have been received. Government is to be presented with two options in the next 6 to 12 months.
ONE YEAR COMPLEMENTARY SAA MEMBERSHIPS TO GRADUATING ARTS STUDENTS
The SAA is offering free one year Associate Memberships to recent arts graduates. For more details or to become a member please fill out a membership form and forward it the SAA office.
SASKATCHEWAN ARTS ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Terry Fenton – President
Cynthia Dyck – Past President
Marcus Miller – Vice President
Mary Blackstone
Pamela Haig Bartley
Amy Nelson-Mile
Gordon Pepper
Saskatchewan Arts Alliance is a non-profit coalition of arts organizations provides a collective voice for the arts in Saskatchewan. Established in 1984, SAA advocates on issues such as public funding of the arts, freedom of expression and artists’ working conditions.
