SaskMusic

The Cultural Exchange and the Saskatchewan Arts Board through the Culture on the Go program are pleased to have assisted two rural communities to present Saskatchewan performers Andy Shauf and Julia MacDougal. The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum presented its first ever concert in its “After Dark” series designed to attract a younger demographic into the art Gallery. The presentation was a huge success with a large audience taking up all available seating in the gallery. Cultural Exchange staff was on hand for the presentation. The second presentation took place at the Renaissance Gaiety Theater in Gravelbourg on January 14. The theater, perhaps most notably known for its use in the Tommy Douglas movie now holds many community events including film screenings. The concert, which once again featured Andy Shauf and Julia MacDougal was incredibly successful with youth traveling to Gravelbourg from many surrounding communities to attend. One couple introduced themselves to the artists and thanked them for performing so close to their hometown. They had driven 150km from Shaunavon for the event. Despite a snowstorm over 60 people attended, including a van full of volunteers from Katimavic.

All parties involved are looking forward to the second round of performances in Estevan and Gravelbourg taking place on February 17 and February 24 respectively.

These two presentations and the 4 more similar events are part of a pilot project supported by the Saskatchewan Arts Board’s Culture on the Go Touring and Access Program. Currently called the Presenters Network, the pilot is attempting to test the hypothesis is that it is possible to establish a loosely connected network of presenters in small communities throughout the province who will be willing to present young and emerging Saskatchewan artists. Plans are in the works for 4 additional concerts but the Cultural Exchange is actively searching for appropriate Saskatchewan performers to present in these venues. Interested performers should contact the Cultural Exchange or Mike Dawson at youngsoulrecords@gmail.com.

Interested presenters from across the province are urged to also contact Mike Dawson for more information about a planned small rural presenters meeting to be held in the last spring early summer. Performers and presenters are also welcome to contact Margaret Fry at 780.9494 or email mfry@sasktel.net.