SK Arts CEO Message

tansi colleagues, partners, and friends,

Bonn annii, happy new year. I want to begin this New Year by expressing my gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and humility that I step into the CEO role at SK Arts as its first Indigenous leader in 76 years and I want to acknowledge this momentous and historic milestone. My appointment represents a significant and meaningful commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation that I am excited to continue.

Lisa Bird-Wilson. Photo credit: George Gingras © Gabriel Dumont Institute

As a Métis and nêhiyaw woman, I deeply respect the values of community, collaboration, and stewardship – the foundation of our cultures for generations – and I am committed to weaving them into the fabric of our work here at SK Arts.

I am inspired to continue SK Arts' work to proactively identify and address barriers in our programs faced by underserved communities, including Indigenous, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+, Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, among others and working with funded organizations and the arts community-at-large to help the wider sector address their goals around inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA).

Acknowledging an important truth: the arts have not always received the investment they deserve, but they continue to uplift and inspire, reminding us of the value of creativity in every aspect of our lives. SK Arts remains committed to working with the arts community and the Saskatchewan government to increase public investment in the arts sector and SK Arts, ensuring support for the arts is stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive.

As we enter 2025, I am committed to listening and learning from all of you as we chart the course for the agency's future. Your expertise, passion, and dedication are essential as we continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable arts ecosystem.

We look forward to working together to expand opportunities, support diverse creative expressions, ensure that arts funding reaches those who need it most, and foster an environment where artists can thrive, new voices are lifted, and art's transformative power resonates throughout Saskatchewan and Canada. I am confident that our collective efforts will make a lasting impact on the arts landscape.

On behalf of all of us at SK Arts, we wish you a New Year filled with inspiration, creativity, and continued success.

maarsii,
Lisa Bird-Wilson
CEO, SK Arts