Communities across Saskatchewan are set to celebrate arts, culture, and heritage from Sept. 19 to Oct. 12 as part of this year’s Culture Days, Canada’s largest annual celebration of creativity.
Now in its 16th year, Culture Days offers free events highlighting the province’s diverse cultural landscape, including activities commemorating the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. Events promoting reconciliation are registered on the Culture Days website and encourage participation from families and community members.
The provincial launch on Sept. 19 featured the premiere of the Axis of Access document, a collaboration between Listen to Dis' Community & Arts Organization and the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance, which explores accessibility in the arts from a disability perspective.
“Culture Days is all about art, heritage, culture and community this year,” said Dean Kush, CEO of SaskCulture. “Communities grow stronger when people come together in shared cultural experiences and engage in meaningful conversations, and Culture Days provides the opportunity to do just that.”
Alana Ross, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, noted the province’s arts sector contributes to quality of life while promoting acceptance and inclusivity. “With a variety of events and activities, Culture Days is an amazing way to celebrate arts, culture, and creativity in our province,” she said.
This year’s events span dozens of communities, including Beauval, La Ronge, Eastend, Willow Bunch, Swift Current, Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Weyburn, and Yorkton, among others. SaskCulture coordinates the events through its Hub sponsorship program, supported by Sask Lotteries funding.
Kush encouraged residents to participate: “Join the celebration during Culture Days by attending an event. You may discover a new artistic passion and build community connections, understanding and unity.”
For a full list of events, visit www.culturedays.ca/events.