CENTENNIAL SPIRIT PRESERVED THROUGH LEGACY ART PROJECTS

The excitement Saskatchewan displays throughout 2005 will be enjoyed for years to come as it is captured through commemorative art projects celebrating the province's 100th anniversary.

Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is partnering with the Saskatchewan Arts Board to commission four permanent, outdoor art installations in communities that act as the gateways to the province - Estevan, La Ronge, Lloydminster and Yorkton.

"We are inviting our province's artists to show us what the centennial means to them," Centennial Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "We've opened up the creative process to the artists so they can use their imagination to develop an interesting and unique project to celebrate this occasion for Saskatchewan."

Once selected, the artists will have an opportunity to discuss the project and significant aspects of the community's local culture and determine the installation site for each artwork. The artworks will be officially unveiled in the fall of 2005.

"We want these lasting art pieces to tell a story about Saskatchewan," Hagel said. "They should showcase our proud heritage, or promising future and the pride of our great people."

Artists are invited to submit their proposals to the Saskatchewan Arts Board by March 23rd, 2005, for consideration and can use a variety of media. Details on the project are located online at www.artsboard.sk.ca. A peer jury will assess the proposals in accordance with the Saskatchewan Arts Board adjudication policy. A tour of the maquettes, or models of the proposed artwork, will be displayed throughout Saskatchewan in the summer of 2005.

The total budget of the project is $381,000. Each art installation will receive a budget of $75,000. The remaining project budget will cover administration fees including site visits, documentation, interpretation and the tour of the maquettes.

"These four art projects will not just benefit the communities they are placed in, they are a centennial gift to the entire province," Hagel said. "Residents from across Saskatchewan, expatriates and visitors will be able to celebrate 100 years of heart for many years to come."

Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306)787-1254 Cell: (306)530-5775