CREATIVE SASKATCHEWAN CLOSER TO GROWING THE PROVINCE'S CREATIVE ECONOMY

The Bill to establish Creative Saskatchewan was introduced in the Legislature today.  Creative Saskatchewan is a new agency that was announced earlier this year.  It will assist in marketing the work of Saskatchewan’s creative industries.

The 2013-14 provincial budget provided a $5 million in new funding to create an investment fund for Creative Saskatchewan.  The fund will be available to music, film, digital media, visual arts, crafts, publishing and the performing arts producers to bring their products to market.

“Our vision for Creative Saskatchewan is that it helps Saskatchewan’s creative industries become commercially strong, market-ready, and appreciated both nationally and internationally,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said.  “This is an exciting time for both our province, which continues to grow and lead the nation and for our creative industries, which are poised to be part of that growth.”

When the creation of the agency was first announced in February, a $1 million transition fund was established.  Already 11 projects have been granted a total of $214,225 from the transition fund that is being administered by the Saskatchewan Arts Board.  Applications that were received by the second cut-off period are currently being reviewed by the Arts Board.

A working group has been established to develop the functional details of Creative Saskatchewan, such as its mandate, desirable outcomes and board governance.  The working group includes representatives from the Saskatchewan Arts Board, SaskFilm, Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association, Saskatchewan Publishers Group, CARFAC (Canadian Artists Representation Le Front Des Artistes Canadiens), Saskatchewan Interactive Media Association, SaskArt, SaskMusic, Dance Saskatchewan, the theatre community in Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Craft Council.

This Bill will move through the legislative process this spring, and the goal is to have Creative Saskatchewan up and running by fall 2013.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Johnson
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5805