Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) | Speaking up for the arts since 1984.

Stop the cuts: take action now!
This is not just about music. It’s about equity, wellness, and giving every child a chance to thrive.

Regina Public School Division confirmed cuts to its elementary band programs. These cuts follow years of erosion, including a 40% reduction in band teaching staff since 2022. In the fall, remaining students will be left with fewer supports, larger class sizes, and reduced access to arts education.

Take action here!
Read our Latest Op-ed
How to Start Your Artistic Journey: A Beginner’s Guide to Exploring Creativity Without a Background in Arts by Courtney Phillips.

Read More!
"Creating Through the Struggle: Artists Navigating Mental Health”
The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance podcast, Arts Everywhere will be recording a series of episodes exploring the stories of artists living with mental illness and mental health challenges. In each episode, we’ll explore the intersection of creativity and mental health, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and raw experiences that shape our work.

Check it out
Envisioning a Fully-Funded SK Arts
Read the updated SAA Report to find out the numbers behind some of our advocacy asks. This report has been update May 2025.

Find out more

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Get Involved

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The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) is an inclusive, member-driven coalition of arts organizations that provides a collective voice for the arts community of Saskatchewan.

Who we are

SAA Statement on Regina Public Schools’ June 2 Letter Regarding Elementary Band Program

On June 2, 2025, the Regina Public School Division released a…

Apr 15, 2022In‎ Impact Stories, News, Resources

Art Works – On the Boards Staging Company

For over 20 years, the company has provided expertise and resources in the technical and administrative areas of production to help hundreds of independent artists and performer-producers stage their art. During the pandemic, however, cancellations have been the norm, and the Refinery space has been almost empty. Gallant-Morari’s concert had been cancelled twice before they finally pulled it off.

Five matches on a purple background. One is burned and another is growing a green leaf.

Feb 24, 2025InEvents, News

Arts for Change: Pre-Conference Workshop

Preventing Burnout
Training Description:
Fatigue and…

Street sign in orange that reads "Let's Change"

Feb 21, 2025InEvents, News

Arts for Change Conference

Black and white line drawing of person looking at a cell phone.

Jan 23, 2025InEvents, News

Event: Navigating the Growing Challenges of Meta & Social Media

Sep 11, 2024InEvents, News

Notice of 2024 AGM

Four boys sitting in tall grass. One with a ukulele and the others singing

Sep 6, 2024InAdvocacy, Artists in Saskatchewan, Events, News, Studies & Facts

Community Music Education: A practice of hope and humanness

Group of people surrounding a table with arts supplies ready to be used.

Sep 15, 2023InEvents, News, Uncategorized

Arts Everywhere: Episode 11

Jun 4, 2025InAdvocacy, News

SAA Statement on Regina Public Schools’ June 2 Letter Regarding Elementary Band Program

On June 2, 2025, the Regina Public School Division released a…

May 1, 2025InArtists in Saskatchewan, News, Op-Eds

How to Start Your Artistic Journey: A Beginner’s Guide to Exploring Creativity Without a Background in Arts

Written by Courtney Phillips

Art has always captivated me—whether…

Sep 30, 2022InNews, SAA Bulletin

Introducing SAA’s 2022-23 Board of Directors

Thanks to everyone who attended the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance’s…

Dec 4, 2019InNews, SAA Bulletin

SAA Bulletin – August 2019

Inspiring Quotes

Jennifer McAllister, music educator

[Music] is good for us our whole life, so an investment in music education in young people is an investment in wellbeing for people for their whole life.

Albert Einstein

Life without music is inconceivable for me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music … I get most joy in life out of music.

Dr. Peter Gouzouasis, PHD. University of British Columbia

The more students study music, the better they do in Math, Science and English

Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver, PhD, cognitive neuroscientist

We now “get” that music is one of the major frontiers of science and medicine—we have plentiful evidence, and dedicated pioneers on the path to discovering WHY we need to keep music in our lives, in our schools, and in our centers for healing.

saskartsalliance

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Jun 8

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@carfacsask Artist Distress Fund/ Northern Fires Emergency Relief Fund is an effort to assist Saskatchewan visual artists who are experiencing financial hardship due to the northern fires.

This is a one-time only, emergency relief fund, providing up to $500 for individual visual, performance, craft and media artists living in Saskatchewan who are displaced or affected by the fires in northern Saskatchewan. This fund is intended to provide immediate short-term financial aid to help artists in dire financial need.

Please visit the link in our bio 🔗

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Jun 7

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Victor Cicansky was an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life! Join us to remember and celebrate his remarkable life.

This event is taking place on June 8th, 2025 at 2pm at Connexus Art Centre, 200 Lakeshore Drive, Regina, SK.

Live streaming for this event is also available. Please rsvp or request the link at cicansky2025@gmail.com

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Jun 6

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Help shape a more accessible film and TV industry in Canada! 🎬

The Disability Screen Office (DSO) has launched Canada’s Screen Industry Survey on Disability—the first national survey designed to capture the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities working in film and TV. They are partnering with Québec-based equity organization Coalition MÉDIA and have commissioned leading creative industries research firm Nordicity to undertake this study.

Whether you’re in the industry, hoping to break in, or have worked alongside colleagues with disabilities, your input is invaluable. The data collected will guide the DSO’s advocacy efforts and lead to the development of a Best Practices Guide to Disability Engagement in the Canadian Film and Television Industry.

This initiative is supported by Accessibility Standards Canada, the Canada Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund, Ontario Creates, Creative BC, Bell Fund, and PictureNL.

The survey is open through June 2025. Take part today at the link in our bio! 🔗

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Jun 5

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On June 2, 2025, the Regina Public School Division released a public update regarding the future of the elementary band program.

The SAA acknowledges and appreciates this communication, as it provides clarity for families, educators, and community members.

We are encouraged to learn that band programming for Grades 6 to 8 will continue in the 2025–26 school year. However, we remain deeply concerned about the impact of continued staffing reductions on a program that is already under strain!

Read our full statement at the link in our bio 🔗

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Jun 4

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Music education isn’t a luxury — it’s a foundation. It builds stronger, more creative, and more resilient communities. 🎶

Hear why it matters from Music Director Gordon Gerrard on the June 3 episode of the 980 CJME Morning Show with Greg Morgan at the link in our bio.

Then head to our website to learn how you can speak up and take action for the arts!

#arts #sask #saskartist #music #musiceducation #saskart #saskatchewan #advocacy

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Jun 3

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Snapshots from our SAA Board Retreat! ✨

The SAA Board met in Regina at Luther College for a weekend retreat focused on strategic planning, facilitated by Roberta Cross of Grow Solutions. We began with a Buffalo Robe Practice led by Joseph Naytowhow and Cheryl L’Hirondelle to ground our intentions for the work ahead.

As part of the weekend, we also attended the annual I Heart Artesian fundraiser—an inspiring night of music, comedy, and community featuring Wolf Willow with guests The North Sound, poetry by Tai Reign, the debut of In Good Company Improv, DJ sets from Vinyl Hang, and hosts Cole Nicolson & David Carnegie.

The retreat was an important opportunity for board members to connect, reflect, and chart a path forward. We look forward to sharing our new strategic plan with the community later this summer!

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Jun 1

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Happy Pride Month from the SAA! 🏳️‍🌈

We celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, arts workers, and community members who shape Saskatchewan’s cultural landscape with courage and authenticity.

We honour the creators who make space, speak out, and help build a more just and vibrant future.

Let’s keep showing up, speaking up, and creating space for all voices to thrive.

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May 29

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Regina’s elementary band program is facing “potential cutbacks”!

These reductions will place further strain on a program that is already under significant pressure. With fewer specialist educators available, students could see reduced access to meaningful music instruction. The proposed changes, part of a larger pattern of cuts to arts education more broadly, have already reduced opportunities for students and are placing serious strain on a vital part of their education.

Take a few minutes to write a letter to your MLA, the Minister of Education, or the Premier. Your voice can make a difference.

🔗 Letter templates are ready to go — link in bio.

#MusicMatters #SaskEd #ProtectTheArts #ArtsEducation #ReginaBandCuts #sask #saskatchewan

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May 27

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🚨 Major cuts to Regina’s Public School band programs 🚨

On May 20th, 2025, the Leader Post published an article about “potential” cutbacks to the Regina Public Schools elementary band program.

Although the Regina Public School Division has not issued an official statement, we understand that while elementary band programs will continue in the fall, staffing reductions are planned. These reductions will place further strain on a program that is already under significant pressure. With fewer specialist educators available, students could see reduced access to meaningful music instruction. The proposed changes, part of a larger pattern of cuts to arts education more broadly, have already reduced opportunities for students and are placing serious strain on a vital part of their education.

This isn’t just about music. It’s about equity, mental health, belonging, and giving every child a chance to thrive.

Take action now:
• Write to your MLA, the Minister, the Premier & the School Board
• Sign the petition
• Read our formal letter

🔗 Link in bio for everything you need know and links to how you can help!

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Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) is a non-profit coalition of arts organizations that provides a collective voice for the arts in Saskatchewan.

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5 Dec 1864722746346741990

📢Announcement: SAA is Moving Off Twitter/X 📢

SAA will no longer be active here, look for us on other channels such as Facebook and Instagram! Please note that we will be officially deactivating this account in the new year.

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It’s #TransWeek2024! We're starting by sharing @egalecanada’s resources to support trans and gender-diverse individuals. We'll be featuring articles from Jaye Kovach and an episode from our Arts Everywhere Podcast. Stay tuned!

🔗 Full resources:

Trans Awareness Week 2024 - Egale Canada

Every March 31st, the trans community and allies come together to observe Trans Day Of Visibility (TDOV)

egale.ca

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; Sask Arts Alliance @skartsalliance ·

13 Nov 1856728735166181524

The SAA is looking for a strategic planner! This is an opportunity to collaborate with our team and lead a planning process that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Sask arts sector.

For more details - check out this link: https://bit.ly/4hyEWN3

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On this Remembrance Day, we pause to honor the courage and resilience of those who have served. We pay tribute to all who have served in times of war, military conflict, and peace.

Please note, in observance of Remembrance Day, the SAA office will be closed today.

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Advocacy means supporting a cause or a proposal, something you believe in, especially the importance of an issue to decision-makers.

Advocacy 101

Stop the cuts: take action now!

Read our Latest Op-ed

"Creating Through the Struggle: Artists Navigating Mental Health”

Envisioning a Fully-Funded SK Arts

Get Involved

The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) is an inclusive, member-driven coalition of arts organizations that provides a collective voice for the arts community of Saskatchewan.

Inspiring Quotes

Jennifer McAllister, music educator

Albert Einstein

Dr. Peter Gouzouasis, PHD. University of British Columbia

Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver, PhD, cognitive neuroscientist

saskartsalliance

Advocacy means supporting a cause or a proposal, something you believe in, especially the importance of an issue to decision-makers.

Jacqui Shumiatcher

Joe Fafard

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