These are the principles we value:

Collective Voice: a collective voice enables artists to create positive change and public support for the arts.

Towards Truth and Reconciliation: a commitment to the values, principles and Calls to Action of the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Practicing Decolonization: a commitment to unlearning colonial assumptions and working in ways that honour Indigenous leadership, cultural practices, and community-defined priorities.

Intersectional Diversity: the diverse voices and perspectives in the arts ecosystem are respected, welcomed and supported.

Integrity: artists and arts organizations are free to pursue their artistic vision at arms length and empowered by artists’ rights to a living wage.

Pay Equity: a respectful living wage for arts workers and arts administrators, comparable to other industries in Saskatchewan.

Access: citizens have free access to art, and participation in their culture.

Creative Expression: the artist’s creativity, and the diversity of the arts, are essential to our social and economic well-being.

An Informed Public: research creates a critical foundation for good policy, and a broader understanding of our arts ecosystem.

Collaboration and Cooperation: leadership in facilitating the sharing of resources and coordinating efforts is important to the arts community.

Advocacy – Through words, actions, and relationships, we advocate in non-partisan and critical ways. We mobilize members, allies, and the public. Our research supports advocacy, and it supports artistic, accessible, and fun public education based on storytelling. We collaborate with funding agencies, advocating for their work to fund art as a public good.

Membership – We are a collective voice for the arts, and we offer tangible benefits to members, responsive to their needs. We lead by example, and create helpful tools for arts workers, arts organizations. We encourage a positive culture where arts workers and organizations lift each other up.

Ways of Working – We have solid ways for administration and working together, and we continue to deepen these practices, creating a solid foundation for the SAA. We lead by example, hoping to improve working environments for members and the wider community. We take good care of our staff and Board, and the funds that are entrusted to us. We have a clear sense of purpose and defined criteria for critical decision-making.