Sask. performing arts communities to receive over $3M in federal funding

Women of the Fur Trade, a unique retelling off the story of Louis Riel and the Red River Resistance is being held at the Globe Theatre this month. (Mick Favel / CTV News)

Over $3 million in federal funding will be provided to several performing arts organizations in Saskatchewan to contribute to strengthening the arts community in the prairies.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Terry Duguid made the funding announcement on behalf of Anita Anand, the minister of innovation, science and industry, in Winnipeg, Man. on Friday, which also includes about $6.5 million for projects in Manitoba.

The investments, which total $9,579,211 for 13 Saskatchewan and Manitoba projects, are provided by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) through the Prairies Performing Arts Initiative.

“Performing arts are at the heart of our communities, telling our stories and showcasing incredible local talent,” Minister Duguid said in a news release on Friday. “The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting artists and organizations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan so they can continue to create, inspire, and share their stories with audiences across the country.”

The Saskatchewan projects that are receiving funding are the Regina Symphony Orchestra, the Saskatoon Symphony Society, the Globe Theatre Society, the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre Inc., and the Persephone Theatre.

According to the release, the PrairiesCan investments will support the long-term economic resiliency and sustainability of the local performing arts organizations.

The Regina Symphony Orchestra will receive $749,639, the Saskatoon Symphony Society will receive $744,260, the Globe Theatre Society will receive $750,000, the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre Inc., and the Persephone Theatre will receive $405,094, with the common purpose of developing different strategies to grow their audiences and increase revenue.