Dimensions

Evaluation Process Update

As you may be aware, we have been conducting focus groups and surveys this fall about our longstanding program. We received many helpful suggestions and valuable feedback. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Dimensions is a beloved program, but you believe it can be even better – and we agree with you!

Because of the in-depth work on and potential changes to this program, we are not able to deliver the Dimensions exhibition in spring 2023 in a way that responds to what we are learning. Our research is leading us towards a reimagination of Dimensions. As a result, we are postponing the 2023 exhibition and taking a gap year to recreate Dimensions and bring it to you in a new and improved format. Rest assured, any Dimensions entries you are working on right now will be eligible for the new Dimensions program.

As we shape the new Dimensions program we will keep you informed of our progress, as well as letting you know of the changes and improvements to the program you can expect to see. We remain committed to Dimensions as an open, juried exhibition of fine craft and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing achievements of our craft community with you.

If you have questions, please contact:
Cindy Hoppe, Board Chairperson, echoppe@sasktel.net
Carmen Milenkovic, Executive Director, director@saskcraftcouncil.org
Steph Canning & Maia Stark, Exhibition Coordinators, exhibitions@saskcraftcouncil.org

History

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 and is still the only open, juried, touring exhibition of contemporary craft in the province.

Every two years all Saskatchewan craftspeople are eligible to submit up to two hand-crafted items. Two experienced jurors are tasked with selecting the pieces for the exhibition, as well as deciding which pieces merit the many available awards. 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. A public critique session follows the final selection, and allows entrants to ask the Jurors question about the jurying process and receive feedback. The ongoing success of Dimensions depends upon the generous support of a number of organizations including the City of Saskatoon and Creative Saskatchewan. The award sponsors also make a substantial contribution to Dimensions, each focusing on a different intent or media. The SCC acknowledges the contributions of these sponsors and greatly appreciates their ongoing commitment.

Questions?

Contact Maia Stark or Steph Canning at exhibitions@saskcraftcouncil.org.