New Status of the Artist Act Tremendous Step Forward
News Release
May 7, 2007
The Saskatchewan government has introduced new legislation to support artists’ social and economic situation. The new Status of the Artist Act, 2007 has reached second reading in the legislature and should be completed by the end of the session.
The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) is enthusiastic about this development. SAA President, Skip Kutz, declared, “this is a tremendous step forward for the arts community. I have nothing but praise for the Act. It is balanced in its approach and we hope the legislature will move quickly to proclaim it.”
Public hearings were held by a Legislative Committee in February to investigate status of the artist issues and members were unanimous in recognizing the economic and social status of artists in the province was in dire need of improvement.
Kutz stated that, “the SAA commends all the members of the Legislative Standing Committee on Human Services for their efforts on behalf of the arts community in moving this important legislation forward. Finding common agreement on the importance of arts and culture to Saskatchewan’s development is critical”, he said. “We need to encourage our young people to embrace their community. With this legislation Saskatchewan will find ways for a more secure future for artists, young and old.”
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