SK Arts | Caine Head

February 2023 marks the beginning of SK Arts' 75th anniversary year. On February 3, 1948, the Saskatchewan Arts Board opened its doors, supporting artists across the province. As we celebrate this milestone, we look to honour the past, the present and the future of the province's vibrant arts community with the We Celebrate You campaign. SK Arts asked 75 established artists to nominate one strong, emerging artist, program or training opportunity that makes the future of Saskatchewan arts exciting.

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Anthony Bidulka - Older man wearing a navy blue jacket and white t-shirt smiling. There are green trees in the background.

Photo credit: Raina Luczka R2 Imagery

Anthony Bidulka

Anthony Bidulka’s books have been nominated for Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence, Saskatchewan Book Awards, and a ReLit award. Bidulka was the first Canadian to win the Lambda Literary Award for Best Men’s Mystery.

Anthony writes traditional genre novels in an untraditional way, developing a body of work featuring underrepresented settings and characters. Going to Beautiful is Bidulka’s twelfth published novel and has earned high praise from fellow authors including Alan Bradley who said “Anthony Bidulka has created a whole new genre: Saskatchewan Gothic… Simply wonderful!” and Gail Bowen who said “…the quiet joy and hopefulness of this novel are gifts readers will value for years to come.”

The University of Saskatchewan inducted Anthony into the College of Education Wall of Honour and presented him the College of Arts and Science Alumni of Influence Award. He has also received the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Nation Builders Award, was named Saskatoon Citizen of the Year, and for his promotion of Saskatchewan through his books, co-founding Camp fYrefly Saskatchewan and volunteer and philanthropic efforts in the community, Anthony was recently honoured by the selection of a two-part park in Saskatoon to be named Bidulka Park and Bidulka Park North.

Caine Head - Young boy wearing glasses and a black shirt with his artwork

Photo credit: SK Arts

Caine Head

Caine Head is a young boy who wants to share his art with the world. Caine wrote books for his cousin’s class and the class loved his books, influencing his desire to publish a book and make his dream come true. Although he is good at art, Caine consider himself as having a wild side and uses his art as a form of self expression and channel for his feelings – whether happy, sad or just wild. Caine tries his best when with his art, even when it is just for fun. Caine has a loving family who inspires him.

Caine thanks Anthony Bidulka for nominating him.

“…his dreams and aspirations as a writer and artist and creator are valid and valued.” – Anthony Bidulka

Caine’s story so touched and inspired me, I am putting forward his name for this grant. When my niece (Caine’s teacher) met him in the third grade, Caine had more life experiences and trauma at that young age than many of us could even comprehend. By the sixth grade, he was a little guy beginning to find his way. He found therapy through writing and drawing and reading his books to the kindergarten class where he was beloved.

One day, out of nowhere, he asked if she (his teacher) knew of any publishers. After she replied no, she could see the wheels turning and the next day he asked, “Do you have a stamp?”. Turns out he found his own publisher (in the front of his Captain Underpants book!). He had this letter prepared and was very eager to mail it. Caine spent time at Cowessess First Nation a few summers ago and was brought up in front of everyone as Chief Delorme acknowledged him coming home for the first time. It was very powerful.

Today Caine is in Grade 8 and struggles a lot. But he still enjoys reading and writing. Fortunately, his caseworker was able to arrange monthly visits at McNally Robinson where, again, he is known and beloved.

For Caine to be the recipient of this grant would be about much more than the money. It would be a gift, one that would show him that he is seen, that his dreams and aspirations as a writer and artist and creator are valid and valued.