SK Arts, the second-oldest arts funding program in the world, has been supporting developing artists since 1948.
This year, SK Arts has given to almost a hundred individuals and organizations grants and scholarships equalling more than $650,000.
SK Arts CEO Michael Jones, “We fund all artistic disciplines. We really want to enable students to be able to pursue a high calibre education.”
The grants, programs, and services offered by SK Arts are for individuals and groups whose activities have an impact on the arts in Saskatchewan and ensure that opportunities exist for Saskatchewan residents to experience all forms of art.
One scholarship, in particular, The Prince Edward Arts Scholarship, provides funding to Saskatchewan students and who have been accepted or have applied to study or train in arts programs at accredited post-secondary institutions or recognized arts training institutions.
This year, two students from Moose Jaw have been awarded the Prince Edward Arts Scholarship.
Brooke Zarubin received a scholarship of $2,500, which she is using toward a bachelor of music in performance voice studies.
“Music has been a central theme and influence in my life for as long as I can remember. I have been involved in music, specifically singing and musical theatre, since I was six years old. I have taken voice lessons ever since and have been fortunate to perform in 21 musical theatre productions comprising school, community and professional theatre. I have also taken several years of piano lessons and some dance, sung in several choirs at school, played flute in concert band and played piano in jazz band. My life has pretty much revolved around the arts. Along the way, I have been blessed with talented teachers and cast mates who have contributed to my growth as an artist.”
She recently moved to Toronto to attend the University of Toronto to attain her Bachelor of Music in Voice Studies, a four-year degree. When Brooke and her family drove in downtown Toronto, the Snowbirds happened to fly overhead giving her the sense of Saskatchewan supporting her dreams.
“It felt like the best kind of welcome from back home.”
“When I was notified that I had been selected as a recipient of the Prince Edward Arts Scholarship, I was so excited and felt very honoured to be included among some amazing artists from across Saskatchewan. I am so appreciative of the generous support Sask Arts provides to myself and other Saskatchewan artists!”
Ha’Keena Maneso received $2,500 to study music theatre performance. Unfortunately, she was unavailable for comment.
From ballet to ballrooms, from painting to performance art, SK Arts welcomes all disciplined artists to the professional world of art. For more information on grants, services or programs offered to artists by SK Arts, visit their website at www.sk-arts.ca
