The Saskatchewan Craft Council: Nurturing Prairie Craft

Creative Saskatchewan funds seven industry associations, helping them achieve their mandates to support Saskatchewan’s creative small businesses and creative producers, and helping build extraordinary businesses. We have been serving as the primary funding agency for The Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC) since 2013.

Since 1975, this non-profit has been fostering a diverse and educational space for over 300 artists of all stages.

Executive Director, Carmen Milenkovic, commented, “The SCC is very proud of its relationship with Creative Saskatchewan. The staff at Creative Saskatchewan is knowledgeable, supportive, and willing to enhance programs to help us make Saskatchewan’s craft artists successful. We’re able to reach audiences across Canada and beyond.”

SCC strives to help artists and craftspeople flourish economically and creatively through its shop and gallery in the heart of Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon. Other channels include its, online store, gallery exhibitions, marketing promotions, educational opportunities, and market events.

We are proud to sponsor many of the important events, workshops and exhibitions put on by the amazing team at SCC. Examples include the Craft is…Fine Craft Market, recently partnered with SaskGalleries’ Art Now, the Sales & Marketing Masterclass for Craftspeople, and the exhibition for Warp & Weft by Kaija Sanelma Harris, a joint project with Remai Modern. A new program introduced recently is called How Can We Help? where the SCC staff assists members solve challenges they encounter in the development of their craft practice and business.

The How Can We Help program also works with the film industry. The program provides brokering and matching services between SCC creators and film art departments, helping source prop and set dressing needs. SCC belongs to a nationwide network of craft organizations and can help filmmakers source objects from various regions in Canada.

SCC also offers memberships with numerous benefits designed to support and elevate artists. Members receive marketing services and materials to boost their visibility and engagement. Juried Members can sell their work at SCC events, via their online store, and gain exposure through professional photography and various marketing channels. Membership also includes a free subscription to Studio Magazine, access to professional development courses, and exclusive newsletters. Additionally, members enjoy free entries to exhibitions, valuable feedback sessions, and discounts on gallery purchases. With various membership options, joining the SCC is accessible to everyone.

When it comes to funding artists—that’s where we come in! Creative Saskatchewan’s role is to help clients navigate the grant application process from start to finish, review applications for eligibility, ensure applications are vetted by industry professionals, and invest in projects with economic potential. Creative Saskatchewan offers several grants related to Craft & Visual Arts:

The Craft & Visual Arts Production Grant supports craft persons and visual artists in the production of creative products intended for the commercial marketplace.

The Showcase or Sell Travel Grant helps cover the costs of travel expenses to specific market opportunities.

Creative entrepreneurs are also eligible to apply for our Business Improvement grant, Research grant, and Marketing grant.

SCC is doing incredible work in inviting the world to experience the excellence of Saskatchewan craft. At the SCC, artists and craftspeople can find both support and a welcoming community.

Learn more by visiting their website: https://saskcraftcouncil.org/

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