As the Swift Current Arts Council nears its 60th anniversary, it continues its transformation from a group organizing bus trips to city shows into a presenter of a full 10-show season, all while keeping ticket prices steady and enriching community life.
From bus rides to centre stage
Established nearly 60 years ago by the City of Swift Current, the Council began by organizing group travel to events in larger centres such as Regina or Saskatoon. Soon, local concerts were added – initially held in the Swift Current Comprehensive High School’s cafeteria – to bring the arts directly home. As the Living Sky Casino Event Centre came online, the Arts Council played a role in designing its performance spaces. Fast forward to today, and the series has grown steadily – now presenting a full 10-concert lineup each season under the watchful eye of administrator Helen Arnold, whose stewardship balances ambition with strong cost controls.
Community’s role in post-COVID revival
Arnold emphasizes the importance of local support in guiding the Council’s recovery following pandemic disruptions. “The community has been supportive of us, 100 percent,” she says, noting that attendance has rebounded and continues to grow. Affordable ticketing – unchanged for five years – is a deliberate move to ensure wide accessibility, reinforced by flexible options like a 3-for-$99 package and full-season subscriptions starting at just $28 per show.
A lineup for all tastes
The 2025–26 season delivers variety across genres and voices. It opens September 13 with Lee Siegel ‘Soul Man in Concert’ performing hits by Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and others. Jess Moskaluke headlines on September 25 – her prairie roots and Telemiracle connections making her a local standout. The season continues November 15 with the eclectic Prairie Debut Presents Jâca, Jeffery Straker’s festive Christmas show on December 19, and the acoustic blues, funk, and reggae duo Kinjo & Young on January 16.
Midseason features rising Canadian country star Kyle McKearney on February 13, Indigenous duo The North Sound on March 5, Newfoundland folk group Rum Ragged on March 31, crooner Tommy Charles on April 28, and country singer Trevor Panczak, whose set pays tribute to Don Williams, on May 8.
Curating for quality and variety
Artist selection is a collaborative process: all council members attend showcase events, evaluating performers for calibre, diversity, and audience appeal. “We each choose who we think would fit into the next season,” Arnold says, with final routing and scheduling negotiated carefully to match venue availability. The process begins some 12 months in advance – October each year is when the group selects the next season’s roster.
Outreach with impact
Beyond the concert series, community outreach remains central to the Council’s mission. In-school performances at multiple regional high schools and support for the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils' school programming are expanding, with six to eight spring and fall concerts funded by the Council. These events bring professional artists directly into school gyms – often with interactive performances that engage students and volunteers.
Sustaining affordability and access
Affordability remains a touchstone. “Our ticket prices haven’t changed in about five years,” Arnold notes. The Council offers flexible access methods: complete subscriptions for loyal attendees, individual tickets priced at $45 and the $99 “3-for” bundle. This range supports diverse audiences – students, seniors and families – across southwest Saskatchewan.
Looking ahead
Planning for the future is already underway. The Council begins next season’s artist selection in October, and occasional one-off concerts may be added as opportunities arise. With a solid foundation of community backing and a balanced, eclectic program, the Swift Current Arts Council is poised to reach 60 years strong and continue its role as a cultural anchor for the region.
All tickets are available online at www.ticketpro.ca or by calling 1-888-655-9090.
To learn more or secure your season tickets, visit scartscouncil.ca.