This past year, SaskCulture, in partnership with SK Arts and Creative Saskatchewan, surveyed members of the cultural community to learn more about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cultural programming in the province. The survey, called Bouncing Back from COVID-19, ran from June 14 to July 6, 2021 and received 408 responses from a wide cross section of the cultural community.

According to the survey, the cultural community had to cancel and/or postpone thousands of public programs, lessons, exhibitions, events, performances and festivals, as well as closing or limiting access to venues such as museums, galleries, theatres, schools and community centres. According to survey respondents, only seven percent of respondents were able to operate as usual since COVID-19 began; 44% operated with limited programs; 34% operated with some modifications; and another seven per cent shut down completely. After a year of public health restrictions, respondents said that demand for their products, programs and services had decreased by 67% over the course of the year. Read the final report here, to find out more about the different areas of impact and the concerns about recovery going forward.

SaskCulture's SGAP deadline is January 24, 2022. SGAP is available to new or underserved organizations that have never been awarded a SaskCulture grant, to support grassroots cultural initiatives, and to meet emerging time-sensitive opportunities. Learn more about eligibility, and how to apply, here.

As of October 23, 2021 the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) and Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) programs are being closed. The Government of Canada has announced the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program as new programs available to assist employers. The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit was also announced to help employees cope with future potential lockdowns.

Sixteen individuals from across the province received the 2020 and 2021 Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province's highest honour, for their contributions in a variety of fields. Among the recipients were:

A full list of those awarded can be found here. Nominations for the next year are being accepted until November 30, 2021.

Rapid tests for COVID-19 are available for businesses and non-profit organizations through a Government of Canada rapid testing initiative. Guidelines for eligibility, as well as further information about this initiative, can be found here.

The Saskatchewan Book Awards is looking for input from stakeholders and community members regarding future planning. This brief survey will help provide information for future planning. The deadline to participate in the survey is November 30, 2021.

When: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST

Where: Online

Who: Chris Lane (President & CEO of Agribition), Jim Bence (President & CEO Hospitality Saskatchewan), Shad Ali (President, On Purpose Leadership), Canadian Society of Association Executives

Free to attend, but registration is required. Click here to register.

When: February 8 - February 11, 2022 - 10:00am - 2:00pm MDT (4 sessions)

Where: Online

Who: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

$1,195 + GST Tuition Cost, Registration Required by January 18, 2022. Click here to register.

When: March 8 - March 11, 2022 - 10:00am - 1:00pm MDT (4 sessions)

Where: Online

Who: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

$1,195 + GST Tuition Cost, Registration Required by February 15, 2022. Click here to register.

When: 2 hour course; complete at your own pace.

Where: Online

Who: STOPS to Violence, Safe Places Swift Current

Free to attend, but registration is required. Click here to register.

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SaskCulture receives financial assistance from Sask Lotteries.