Written by: Carmen Milenkovic, Executive Director

Creative Saskatchewan has announced its updated grant programs for 2018-19! Read the whole announcement here.

We have been working with Creative Saskatchewan to bring about changes to its granting program. The recent announcement of upcoming opportunities provides Fine Craft and Visual artists with some tailored made programs that we believe will help you achieve your goals.

Of special note is the “Craft and Visual Arts Production Grant.” This grant has been designed specifically for you, so I encourage you to take advantage of it. Two important additions to the scope of this grant are:

• the ability to fast-track your application (bypass the jury process) if you have agreements with five or more sales outlets (retails/galleries); and
• ear marking 15% of your budget to the marketing of your work.

These are big changes that will help you be more successful and streamline your process. This grant opens for applications on May 14th.

The “Market Travel Grant” will be opening on April 23rd. A big change is that eligible costs include airfare and registration costs that you have to pay before the application deadline.

Other grants that are available to you include the “Business Capacity Grant” (opening May 21), “Market and Export Development Grant” (opening May 7), and “Research Grant” (opening May 21). These grants are open to all creative sectors so ensure your application is well thought out.

A few tips: 

• The application process takes some work, but if you qualify you will receive 50% of your costs. It’s a non-repayable investment in you and our sector.
• The grants are for projects – not your day-to-day operations.
• You must have objectives that you are attempting to accomplish, and you must be able to define, measure and report on your success. Creative Saskatchewan is investing in you because it wants to support your growth and economic success as a professional artist.
• These grants are also NOT for the development of your skill as an artist. You need to go to the Saskatchewan Arts Board to get assistance with that side of your craft. Instead these grants are designed to strengthen your capacity for success in the business of craft.
• Many Saskatchewan craftspeople can take advantage of these grant programs, and the Saskatchewan Craft Council wants to encourage you to try. If you have any questions, the Creative Saskatchewan staff is ready to assist you.
• Don’t delay. Just do it. If you have an idea, contact Tobi Lampard or Lisa Lanigan at Creative Saskatchewan. Give them your 30 second pitch and they’ll let you know if it’s a good fit.

The Saskatchewan Craft Council, through our Professional Practices for Artists program, can provide assistance and feedback on your grant proposals. Contact Carmen Milenkovic or Michael Peterson if you would like to explore this further.