History of the SCC

The Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC) has been a cornerstone of the province’s artistic community since its inception in 1975. 

 The journey began when fifty-seven passionate Saskatchewan artisans came together, driven by a shared goal: to elevate the province’s craft scene, improve the quality of work, and create a strong and supportive network for artisans. In the early years the SCC hosted workshops across the province to help its members hone their skills. These workshops covered a broad range of craft media, including photography, felting, pottery, weaving, stained glass, and metal-casting, along with practical business topics like marketing and how to run a craft business. 

Before the SCC was formed, the Battleford Craft Festival was a significant presence in Saskatchewan craft, beginning in 1973. This event was an early effort to help Saskatchewan craftspeople market their work, and it was a precursor to several other successful markets, such as Wintergreen in Regina and Waterfront in Saskatoon. The Battleford Craft Festival was organized by the Saskatchewan Government’s Department of Industry and Commerce with cooperation from the Mayor Alex Dillabough and Town of Battleford who was still a major sponsor of the event 42 years later. An exhibition was included by the event organizers in 1974 and 1975 in conjunction with the Festival. Shortly after the SCC was founded, we became involved by assisting with the exhibition. This juried exhibition was organized solely by the SCC, while the market itself was still organized by the Department of Industry and Commerce.  

This competition and exhibition quickly became established as an annual event organized by the Saskatchewan Craft Council and supported by the organizers of the Battleford Craft Market (later renamed the “Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival”)  The “Battleford Exhibition” became known as Dimensions in 1982 and featured the first full catalogue, which became a welcome and important archival asset of the program for years to come. You can review scanned copies of all the Dimensions catalogues and relevant Craft Factor issues here. 

Dimensions is a vital platform for showcasing Saskatchewan’s fine craft, with awards presented for outstanding work, merit in type of media, innovation, and accomplishments by emerging artists.  

As the SCC grew, it continued to expand its efforts to promote fine craft. In 1991, the council moved into its current location at 813 Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon, which included a public gallery. This space became a hub for exhibitions, not just of Saskatchewan craft, but also of national and international work, reinforcing the SCC’s role in the broader craft community. Public outreach, such as street demonstrations, lectures, and educational programs for schools, further cemented the SCC’s commitment to promoting craft in Saskatchewan. 

Over the years, the SCC has consistently played a pivotal role in supporting the province’s craft community. It has organized panel events, exhibitions, and workshops, and brought in renowned craft practitioners from around the world to share their expertise. In turn, Saskatchewan artisans have gained recognition and began sharing their own skills provincially, nationally, globally. 

Today, the Saskatchewan Craft Council represents over 300 artists at various stages of their careers. It continues to serve as a vital support system for its members, helping them flourish creatively and economically. The SCC’s work spans a range of services, from gallery exhibitions and market events to educational programs and a vibrant online store. Their strategic priorities include fostering excellence in craft, supporting economic and creative growth, and actively engaging with Saskatchewan’s Indigenous, newcomer, and diverse communities. 

With a legacy rooted in collaboration, education, and promotion, the Saskatchewan Craft Council has helped establish Saskatchewan as a recognized and respected force in the craft community. Its continued efforts ensure that fine craft in the province thrives, both now and into the future.