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Battlefords artists and organization receive new funding support

Aug 2, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Some local North Battleford artists and a local arts organization will be receiving support for their skills, talents and efforts.  

The Saskatchewan Arts Board announced Wednesday it has selected three artists and the North Battleford International Street Performer Festival Association Inc. for the grant funding.

North Battleford International Street Performer Festival Association received a $7,700 SaskFestivals grant to support programming and operations for 2018. 

“It was our very first year out of five that we received that, and we could not be happier,” Alexis Christensen, Street Festival board communications chair, told battlefordsNOW on Thursday. “We’ve applied every year and we were close to fitting the bill, but this year we put on more of a Saskatchewan Festival, with the producer being from Saskatchewan. I think that’s what took it to the next level to actually get the funding.”

Christensen said the funding will help bring in more artists.

Musician Cole Knutson received a $7,500 Indigenous/Métis Art and Artists grant to study for a double master’s degree and performance diploma in piano at the Guildhall School for Music and Drama in London, England.

Writer Reginald Bugler received a $6,000 Indigenous/Métis Art and Artists grant “to develop a story book with illustrations and moral teachings that can be used at any school or at home.” The book will provide a legend from Indigenous history, specifically the Bugler ‘Whistle Blower’ family,” according to the release. 

Visual artist Lyndon Tootoosis received a $7,500 Indigenous/Métis Art and Artists grant “to promote a better understanding of the Battle River Cree through the presentation of sculpture that explores the traditions and teachings, transforming oral stories to stone sculptures.”

The Saskatchewan Arts Board said in its release the Indigenous/Métis Art and Artists program aims “to increase access to public funding by Indigenous artists in Saskatchewan, either to develop their artistic and cultural practices or to share their art, skills and teachings.”

The SaskFestivals grant program also supports and helps encourage festival organizations in Saskatchewan that “have a positive impact on the arts in Saskatchewan.”

Funding includes financial support for recipients’ artistic programs and governance and operational functions, according to the release. The program is supported by funding from SaskCulture Inc. through the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation.

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW