The Mann Art Gallery would appreciate additional funding. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Budget demands

Sask. arts community calls on government for funding increase

Mar 4, 2026 | 4:51 PM

A province-wide survey has determined strong public support for maintaining or increasing investment in arts and culture.

The findings by Insightix are being released by the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) ahead of the upcoming provincial budget on March 18.

Among the survey’s findings was 86 per cent of Saskatchewan residents believe government should maintain or increase funding for the arts, with more than half (54 per cent) supporting an increase.

The online poll included 400 residents from urban, rural, and northern communities, and results were weighed to reflect provincial population proportions.

“We hear every day that arts and culture matter to people in this province,” said Em Ironstar, executive director of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance.

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“This survey backs that up. Saskatchewan residents want the arts to be supported — and they want to see that support maintained or increased.”

“It was helpful for us to identify a small number of respondents – about two to seven per cent – who held negative views about arts and culture,” Ironstar continued. “That perspective is in the clear minority, but it highlights where public education can strengthen understanding of the arts’ social and economic benefits across Saskatchewan.”

Jesse Campbell, interim artistic director at the Mann Art Gallery in Prince Albert, estimated provincial funding has not increased in eight to 10 years, but expenses across the board have, resulting in some tough decisions being made at the board level.

To ensure they meet their budgets, the gallery has been forced to reduce public hours and there’s no full time staff.

“That does reduce accessibility to the arts, it reduces resources within the arts,” she said.

Other key findings of the survey included: 86 per cent support maintaining or increasing funding; 54 per cent support increasing funding; 86 per cent say arts and culture are important for children and youth; and 81 per cent said affordability limits participation.

Based on high engagement happening locally, Campbell said she was not surprised by the survey’s results. And one example she provided was the opening in February of the annual winter festival art show and sale, where there were over 300 people who came out.

Also within the last year, other receptions and exhibition programs, have seen an attendance increase of 50 to 70 per cent.

“We are so happy with these numbers and it shows that clearly people feel comfortable to come to the gallery and to be inspired and to learn something new in the arts,” Campbell said.

Acknowledging the challenge of keeping the momentum good and providing ongoing programming for both community members and the visitors who travel in, Campbell confirmed the gallery is exploring other fundraising models. She added they are also aware there’s lots of other causes seeking money, too.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

 On X: @nigelmaxwell