Looking for the perfect autumn read, film, or handmade treasure? Our Spooky Season Guide features Saskatchewan creators whose work brings together haunting stories, thoughtful cinema, and one-of-a-kind art for the season.
Click the cover below to explore the guide!
If there’s one thing we can count on in the creative industries right now, it’s that the landscape will keep changing.
Economic uncertainty, shifting global markets, tariffs, new technologies, AI, changing consumer behaviours and an increasingly crowded communications environment are all adding complexity to the creative industries. The rules seem to change before we’ve had a chance to finish learning them!
Perhaps that’s the point: the unknown is becoming the new normal.
While it can be tempting to wait for things to settle down, I’m not sure they ever really will. Instead, I think there’s an opportunity for all of us in the creative industries to get better at navigating uncertainty and to become more comfortable asking questions and adapting our approach.
We don’t need to be experts in everything. We need to be curious enough to keep learning, confident enough to ask for help and thoughtful enough to recognize when someone else has expertise we don’t. Knowing when to lean on others isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength, and often where the best ideas, partnerships and solutions begin.
This is where networks become incredibly important.
The strength of a network isn’t simply the number of people we know. It’s the quality of the relationships we build with them. It’s having people we can call to ask a question, challenge an assumption, share an idea, make an introduction or help us see a problem from a completely different perspective.
In a complicated and increasingly interconnected world, none of us has to navigate everything alone.
I also think this creates an opportunity for the creative industries to lean into what we already do well. Creativity has always required us to work with ambiguity. We take incomplete information and turn it into ideas. We collaborate across disciplines. We listen, interpret, experiment and adapt. We find opportunities where others may only see problems.
As technology makes it easier to produce more content and communicate across more channels, being authentic and distinctive becomes even more important. When everyone can say something, knowing what you want to say and why it matters is a real advantage.
We may not know exactly what the next year, or even the next quarter, will bring. But perhaps we don’t need to. We can focus on building strong relationships, staying curious, being honest about what we know and what we don’t, and bringing our genuine selves to the work.
The future may be uncertain. But uncertainty doesn’t have to be something we simply endure. It can be something we navigate together, and perhaps even find opportunity in along the way.
The Live Performing Arts Production and Performance Grant helps performers, playwrights, and producers, bring their creative visions to life. Whether supporting the development of new works or the presentation of performances across the province, the grant plays an important role in strengthening Saskatchewan’s vibrant live performing arts sector.
To shed some light on how the program works and what applicants should know before applying, we sat down with Program Advisor Charles Umeh. In addition to his role at Creative Saskatchewan, Charles is a practicing artist, filmmaker, and experienced arts administrator with more than five years of experience in Saskatchewan’s nonprofit arts sector. His firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing creative entrepreneurs gives Charles a unique perspective on the impact of funding programs like this one.
Read on as Charles shares his background, insights into the grant, and tips for applicants looking to make the most of this valuable funding opportunity.
Q: Could you share a little more about your background and what led you to your current role?
A: I previously served as Southern Artistic Director at Common Weal Community Arts and currently work as a Program Advisor with Creative Saskatchewan. My dedication and commitment to supporting creative entrepreneurs and strengthening Saskatchewan’s creative economy is what led me to Creative Saskatchewan. As an artist, I understand the importance of organizations like Creative Saskatchewan in helping creatives build sustainable careers, remain in the province, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. I hold a Certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and am a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), bringing both creative and strategic expertise to my work in the arts and cultural sector.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
A: What I enjoy most about my work is helping creative entrepreneurs access the resources and support they need to grow their careers. There is something deeply fulfilling about seeing artists build sustainable creative practices and make a living from their work while continuing to call Saskatchewan home. I take great pride in telling people that they do not have to leave the province to succeed. With the support of Creative Saskatchewan, they can establish themselves, grow their practice, and thrive right here. Being part of that journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
About the Grant
Q: Tell us more about the Live Performing Arts Production and Performance Grant, and who it can support.
A: The Live Performing Arts Production & Performance Grant assists eligible Saskatchewan individuals and companies with the production and presentation of a series of live performances intended for paying audiences, both locally and internationally.
This grant supports artists and organizations working in the following live performing arts disciplines:
Theatre
Dance
Stand-up Comedy
Magic and Illusion
Spoken Word and Poetry
Mime
Puppetry
Circus Arts
While we understand music could be considered a live performing act, we do not support musicians or music players through this grant as we have a separate grant stream dedicated to Music.
Q: What’s a common misunderstanding about this grant that you’d like to clear up?
A: One of the most common misconceptions about this grant is that it supports any project that includes a live performance component. To clarify, the grant does not support community theatre productions or artistic projects created solely for artistic expression. Its purpose is to support live performances that are presented to a paying audience and demonstrate clear commercial viability.
Q: In your view, how does Live Performing Arts funding impact the broader live performing arts community or industry?
A: Live Performing Arts funding helps artists and producers put on great shows, reach new audiences, and build sustainable careers. It also helps cover some of the costs and risks of presenting live performances, making it easier to invest in production quality, marketing, and audience growth.
The impact goes beyond a single show. It supports venues, performers, musicians, technicians, and many others who work behind the scenes.
By supporting performances that attract paying audiences, the funding encourages professional standards, business growth, and long-term sustainability, ultimately strengthening the entire live performing arts ecosystem.
Application Tips
Q: What are some common mistakes applicants should be aware of during the application process?
A: Applicants, especially returning applicants, often make the mistake of not thoroughly reviewing our program guidelines and assessment criteria before starting their application. These documents are updated annually, so it is important not to rely on information from previous application cycles. We strongly encourage all applicants to thoroughly read and understand the current requirements before beginning their application. Applicants should also remember that free program consultations are available, and our team is here to support them throughout the process and help them submit the strongest application possible.
Q: Is there a detail or requirement that applicants often overlook but is crucial to include?
A: I would recommend booking a consultation with a Program Advisor. Many applicants are also unaware that we offer a free Application Completeness and Eligibility Check service.
This service can be booked the same way as a consultation. During the appointment, a Program Advisor will review the application and budget template to help ensure everything is complete and eligible before submission.
Please note that this service must be booked at least one week before the program deadline.
Final Thoughts
Q: Where can artists go for more information or to get support with their application?
A: Our website https://www.creativesask.ca/our-support
Q: What advice would you give to emerging artists who feel daunted by the application process?
A: I would tell emerging artists not to be intimidated by the application process. It can seem overwhelming at first, but there are supports available to help you through it. Start early, give yourself time to gather your materials, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.
I also encourage applicants to take advantage of all the free support services available.
They should also always remember that the strongest applications aren’t always from the most experienced applicants. Reach out for support, start early, and remember that applying is a valuable learning experience in itself.
As Charles highlights, thoughtful planning and a clear understanding of program requirements can go a long way toward building a strong application.
If you’re considering applying to the Live Performing Arts Production and Performance Grant and have questions about your project or eligibility, Charles is available to help. Applicants are encouraged to book a consultation to discuss their ideas, review program guidelines, and better understand the application process before submitting.
Book with Charles: https://www.creativesask.ca/about/#programs
Saskatoon artist Hailey weber received our Craft and Visual Arts Production grant to support to ready her most recent work for exhibition.
Hailey is a professional artist whose current work investigates wildfire, ecological regeneration, and responsible interdependence through painting, quilting, and research-based methodologies.
After completing six large-scale paintings during a certificate program in New York, she sought out grant support for the final production phase of the new series. Specifically, the fabrication of custom stretcher bars that will allow these works to be professionally stretched, completed, and exhibited for sale for the first time.
“The support from Creative Sask was so foundational in supporting this body of work,” said Weber, “I have never had the funds to work at this large of a scale before. This was such a gift to make the work that I really wanted to make and to have the resources to make it shine. I consider this to be my strongest work of all time.”
Hailey had over 100 guests come to the exhibition to see her work, received wonderful feedback and made several new connections. Many expressed interest in following her career, and even a few leads for custom orders.
“I am thankful that Creative Sask chose to support me and has made a massive contribution to helping me sustain my career.”
Follow Hailey on these platforms:
Matthew Stinn of the band GreenWing successfully applied for our Tour Support Grant, supporting the band’s Eastern Canada tour.
GreenWing is a high-energy, alt-rock, indie punk band from Saskatoon, known for their singalong hooks, driving rhythms and chaotic stage presence.
Their tour started in Estevan, and ended in Toronto, with 12 well attended shows at 11 different cities in between.
The band was able to leverage their upcoming tour dates to promote their new single to radio, where it has spent six weeks in the Billboard Top 40 and seven weeks on the Mediabase Active Rock charts.
Throughout the tour, they met with several bookers representing sub-markets they have not previously performed in – shows they hope to book for their next Eastern tour.
“After taking stock of the tour, we see this run of shows in support of our new single/music video to have been a massive success.”
By helping offset the costs associated with travel, the Tour Support grant allowed GreenWing to focus on their signature high-energy performances, expand into new markets, and strengthen their audience base. This kind of support also contributes to long-term sustainability, helping emerging artists build momentum and create lasting opportunities within the industry.
Follow GreenWing on these platforms:
Below is an overview of the 2026-27 Creative Saskatchewan Grant programs; who they are for, when they are accepting applications, and those all-important deadlines.
For more information on each of these programs, including what’s new for 2026-27, please click on the “Learn more” buttons.
Remember, All deadlines close at 4:00 PM Saskatchewan time. If a deadline falls on a statutory holiday or a weekend, applications will be accepted until 4:00 PM the following business day.
This grant provides support to individuals and businesses to attend markets, industry showcases, and pitch events. In most cases, your project begins with an invitation to participate in a particular market.
This grant provides support for marketing and publicity to improve visibility and generate sales. We offer two streams of funding depending of the scale of the project; Micro and Major.
Up to a maximum of $5,000 per applicant per fiscal year (or 50% of the budget whichever is the lesser).
Clients are limited to one micro grant per fiscal year. This amount counts towards an annual marketing cap of $25,000 per fiscal year.
Micro Stream Opening Date for all sectors: April 22, 2026
Micro Stream Deadlines to apply:
Up to a maximum of $25,000 per applicant per fiscal year or 50% of the budget, whichever is the lesser.
Major Stream Opening Date for applicable sectors: April 22, 2026
Major Stream Deadlines to apply:
Film:Following consultations with our clients and industry stakeholders, we decided that increasing funding for film development activities would best support the sector at this time. To accommodate this, the Marketing Grant for the film sector will be paused this year. As funding becomes available throughout our fiscal year we may reconsider offering an intake of this grant.
This grant supports projects that focus on professional development, increasing workforce capacity, and improving business efficiencies through technology infrastructure updates which result in growth, market expansion and improved profitability.
Opening date for applicable sectors: April 22, 2026
Film: The Business Improvement Grant for the film sector will be paused this year to offer additional funding into other grant programs.
Live Performing Arts: The Business Improvement Grant for the live performing arts sector will be paused this year to offer additional funding into other grant programs.
We now offer three streams of funding depending on the nature of the project – Book Publishers’ Stream, the Author-Funded Stream, and the Market Demand Reprint stream.
This grant supports self-publishers or publishers working with Saskatchewan authors to produce and market a book.
Opening date: April 29, 2026
Deadline: June 3, 2026 at 4PM SK time
This grant assists in the production and marketing of titles intended for commercial release.
Opening date: April 29, 2026
Deadline: June 10, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
This grant assists book publishers and self-publishers in accessing high-demand reprint production funds to meet market demand.
Opening date: June 17, 2026
Deadline 1: September 2, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
Deadline 2: January 27, 2027 at 4 PM SK time
This grant supports commercially viable touring opportunities for eligible Saskatchewan musicians touring in Canada and abroad.
Opening date: May 6, 2026
Deadlines to apply:
This grant supports the production of commercially-viable sound recordings for promotional use and/or commercial release.
This grant invests in Live Performing Arts projects that are ready to be staged for a paying audience to expand commercial potential.
Opening date: May 13, 2026
Deadline 1: June 24, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
Deadline 2: October 21, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
This grant invests in Saskatchewan’s digital developers, helping them create digital games and gamified e-learning projects with commercial potential. We now offer two streams of funding for this grant – the Pre-Production Stream and the Production Stream.
Opening date: May 20, 2026
Deadline: November 18, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
This grant supports craft persons and visual artists in the production of creative products intended for the commercial marketplace.
Opening date: May 27, 2026
Deadline: February3, 2027 at 4 PM SK time
This grant provides financial support to eligible applicants for feature film and television productions that have secured a relevant market trigger or distribution agreement of fair market value. We ow offer three streams within this grant: the Saskatchewan Stream, the Service Production Stream, and the Apprenticeship Stream.
Opening date: April 1, 2026
Deadline: Continuous intake until funding is exhausted
This grant provides financial support to eligible projects that demonstrate significant economic, cultural and employment benefit to the Saskatchewan industry, and a high potential of recoupment and profit in the application.
Opening date: June 2, 2026
Deadline: July 16, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
This grant assists qualified Saskatchewan production companies with undertaking the development of eligible projects and bringing productions to fruition.
Opening date: July 14, 2026
Deadline: October 8, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
Opening date: July 14, 2025
Deadline: October 8, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
Opening date: July 14, 2025
Deadline: October 8, 2026 at 4 PM SK time
We sponsor projects that align with our mandate in any of the six creative sectors that Creative Saskatchewan’s grants support:
Sponsorships are available year-round until the fund is exhausted.
© 2026 Creative Saskatchewan. All rights reserved.
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