Dimensions is one of the Saskatchewan Craft Council’s longest running programs. It has always been open to all craftspeople living in Saskatchewan at the time of the call for entry. The final exhibition and award selections are then decided by two experienced jurors. Prior to launching the call for entry, we accept nominations for Dimensions jurors from members of the craft community. Dimensions is one of the few juried exhibitions where the jurors select from the physical piece, rather than photographs of works, allowing for a more nuanced and considerate selection.

To honour the tradition of in-person jurying as well as the capacity of our organization, Dimensions now utilizes a hybrid jurying process. The first round of jurying takes place online, with a second round of jurying happening in-person. All submissions are made available to view in an online gallery, while those selected for in-person jurying are featured in the in-person open house. The jurors then provide a public presentation about their process and selected works. A limited number of private feedback sessions with the jurors are available by registration.

In 2023, after a thorough evaluation of the entire Dimensions program, we made some exciting changes with the following goals in mind:  

• Improve accessibility of the program and increase the value for individual artists, especially those who feel disconnected and alienated by the process; 

• Build community rooted in respect, equity, transparency, and accountability; 

• Balance needs of every member of the community – Artists/Jurors/SCC members/touring venues/sponsors/SCC staff/public; 

• Reframe Dimensions as a unique celebration of fine craft; highlight the anticipation, value, and importance of the program. 

• Create meaningful lasting change that honours Dimensions’ past contributions – create new legacy, establish new exciting patterns and reach new audiences. Be Leaders in our sector; 

• Create programming that is thoughtful and considerate about our events and goals.  

• Create a new Dimensions roadmap for the future of the organization that addresses past shortcomings and generates new ideas. 

A detailed research summary is available here.

Dimensions first came into being in the late 1970s when the Mayor of Battleford, Alex Dillabough, lobbied the Government of Saskatchewan for promotional assistance linking craft and the tourism industry. Exhibitions were organized by the Saskatchewan Department of Industry and Commerce in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival. The newly formed Saskatchewan Craft Council provided a jury for one of these exhibitions in 1976, and the first Premier’s Prize was awarded in 1977.

From those beginnings until 2009, Dimensions was presented annually. In 2011, it became a biennial exhibition, held every two years. From 2011 to 2021, all Saskatchewan craftspeople were eligible to submit up to two handcrafted items every two years. However, with a steady increase in operational costs and standstill government funding, this two-year exhibition cycle was no longer feasible for the SCC while preserving the elements that are most important to our members. As of 2023, the Dimensions program began to operate on a four-year cycle, which has enabled us to add even more elements to benefit more makers in various stages of their artistic development. Dimensions is still the only open, juried, touring exhibition of contemporary craft in the province.

Past Exhibitions:

• Dimensions 2021
• Dimensions 2019
• Dimensions 2017
• Dimensions 2015
• Dimensions 2013
• Dimensions 2011
• Playing with Dimensions 2009
• Dimensions Growth 2008
• Dimensions 2007
• Dimensions 2006

Past Catalogues:

• Dimensions 1982
• Dimensions 1983
• Dimensions 1984
• Dimensions 1985
• Dimensions 1988
• Dimensions 1989
• Dimensions 1990
• Dimensions 1992
• Dimensions 1993
• Dimensions 1994
• Dimensions 1995
• Dimensions 1996
• Dimensions 1997
• Dimensions 1998
• Dimensions 2000
• Dimensions 2001
• Dimensions 2002
• Dimensions 2003
• Dimensions 2004
• Dimensions 2005
• Dimensions 2006
• Dimensions 2007
• Dimensions 2008
• Dimensions 2009
• Dimensions 2011
• Dimensions 2013
• Dimensions 2017
• Dimensions 2019
• Dimensions 2021