Encouraging hubs of activity with funding support Although SaskCulture had experimented with a few different funding programs, the Culture Days Hub Sponsorship has been incredibly effective in building stronger arts and culture partnerships in communities. By working with other community groups, organizers were able to more effectively offer more innovative activities and reach new audiences. Since its introduction in 2020, almost 100 different communities have formed a hub and engaged thousands of people each year. ADVAncing Truth and Reconciliation Following the launch of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2020, SaskCulture successfully supported a specific focus on Truth and Reconciliation as part of Culture Days by adding it as a priority in its Hub Sponsorship program. In the past few years, approximately 30 per cent of Hub Organizers have included Truth and Reconciliation activities. Communities see benefits and return each year The key indicator of success is that organizers return year after year. These organizers appreciate how Culture Days has been part of showcasing the diversity of local arts and culture. For example, the development of Nuit Blanche — a night of artistic activity showcased outdoors, held in both Regina and Saskatoon — has been a perfect fit for Culture Days. Each community has created a Culture Days that best meets their individual needs. I get a little emotional when I hear stories of community success, such as the creativity used to engage communities, and stories of teamwork and belonging that happen each year during Culture Days. Stories about activities that engage newcomers, multi-generational activities where Elders share stories and traditions with youth, or gatherings that inspire community belonging, are frequent occurrences during Culture Days. Besides these successes, Culture Days has contributed to the development of annual planning committees and coordination, as well as a variety of cultural planning resources that are shared across the country. After 15 years, there have been over 4,000 registered cultural activities just in Saskatchewan alone. There have
been over 540 communities involved and over half a million instances of participation. These are just estimates, the real numbers are probably much higher. What do you see as the future of Culture Days? After 15 years, the momentum behind Culture Days continues to grow. In fact, we are seeing a resurgence of interest in recent years. People want to get out again. More and more communities are recognizing the need to get people out and involved. And, there is a good response to things to do that are “free”. It’s a good time to refocus efforts on building awareness of the benefits of cultural activity, reaching new audiences, building social capital, and even supporting new physical capital, such as community murals or enhanced venues. Audiences and participants in cultural activities come and go, so cultural organizations should always be working to get new people involved. Putting the spotlight on arts, heritage and culture during Culture Days, both locally and
nationally, is a great opportunity to attract those who might not normally be included. Culture Days is designed to inspire creativity and innovation. Successful ideas seem to inspire even further creativity. We’ve already seen opportunities where participants try conducting orchestras, try different instruments at a musical petting zoo, be part of creating community murals or quilts, visit neighbourhood art pop-ups or art walks, participate in outdoor dance workshops, learn recipes for food from different countries, engage in round dances as part of concerts, hear historical stories while on a community walk or cemetery tours, and much more. These ideas, mixed with an individual community’s own unique character, inspire even more new ideas, creating brand new experiences for all. I hope more and more organizers see Culture Days as an opportunity and make it part of their annual plans. For communities, participation in Culture Days can be an investment in their community members’ expression, involvement, growth and community pride.
A 2018 needle-felting Culture Days event in Saskatoon engaged kids and adults' creative side. (Photo by Kevin Hogarth)
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