GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR BOOST TO MUSIC AND THE ARTS

The Government of Saskatchewan announced a new vision for the future development of Saskatchewan's music, arts and cultural industries.

The announcement was made by the Premier to build on the government's commitment to culture in the province in response to the recommendations of the Music Industry Review Final Report released today. The Music Industry Review Final Report was prepared by Legislative Secretary Joanne Crofford. This final report builds on the interim report released in January and has been expanded to encompass recommendations for all of the cultural industries in the province.

"Our vision is to expand opportunities for artists and music industry professionals so that they can continue to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our province and enhance their commercial viability nationally and internationally," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Legislative Secretary Crofford's recommendations are sweeping and comprehensive for the music industry, artists and arts organizations. Creative industries turn our communities into destinations for people seeking the Saskatchewan quality of life."

The Government announced a $4.5 million commitment, the single largest cash infusion to the cultural sector in the province's history.

"The recommendations in the Music Industry Review Final Report are the product of over a year of consultation, research and thoughtful review," Crofford said. "We have a wealth of talent and entrepreneurial ability in this province that needs further connections and resources to compete in the increasingly globalized music market. This government once again is showing its leadership in making Saskatchewan an even better place for the cultural industries."

Today's announcement also continues to build on the government's strategic plan for the arts sector in response to the Minister's Advisory Committee on Status of the Artist report which was released in July 2006.

"It is extremely gratifying to see the Government of Saskatchewan continue to act on the recommendations of the Minister's Advisory Committee on Status of the Artist," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Sandra Morin. "The increase to the Saskatchewan Arts Board demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment where artists are able to pursue viable careers in Saskatchewan."

"I would like to thank the Premier and the Government of Saskatchewan for this strong and much-welcomed show of support for creative culture in all areas of our province: in cities, rural areas and the north," Saskatchewan Arts Board chair Ken Sagal said on behalf of the Arts Board, SaskMusic and SaskCulture. "This announcement recognizes the vital role that the arts play in creating and preserving quality of life and a creative economy, in an environment where the artist's voice is central to our aspirations and our future. It reflects a forward-thinking approach to culture, embedded in the knowledge that when arts thrive, all people of Saskatchewan benefit."

To view an electronic version of the Music Industry Review Final Report, please visit www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: jpeters@cyr.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-4909