Ongoing Call for Board Nominations
SK Arts is seeking nominations for our Board of Directors on an ongoing basis. We will keep applications on file to fill openings as they become available.
SK Arts is a Crown Agency that provides grants, programs, and services to individuals and groups whose activities have an impact on the arts in Saskatchewan and ensures that opportunities exist for Saskatchewan residents to experience all art forms.
We are seeking two types of nominees:
- Professional artists or arts professionals who would serve as representatives from the arts community.
- General members, particularly arts supporters and volunteers as well as business professionals, who may have skills beneficial to the board.
Under The Arts Board Act, 1997, four positions on the board are for representatives from the arts community; these are traditionally filled by professional artists and/or arts professionals. Since SK Arts does not always receive much advance notice before the government requires name submissions, it is helpful to have an ongoing, open list of potential nominees to make this process more effective.
SK Arts has no direct control over nominations for general members, but the Minister often asks what particular skills are needed on the board prior to making the appointment, and we may have opportunity to suggest specific people.
Board appointments happen on an irregular basis, so you may not receive an immediate follow-up, though we will send an email acknowledging your nomination. We will also contact everyone annually to confirm that you want to remain on the list and to provide you an opportunity to update your contact information or resumé.
Board members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a two-year term. In accordance with The Arts Board Act, 1997, one-third the members of the board shall be appointed from a list of nominees provided by the arts community.
You may nominate yourself or be nominated by others. Short-listed candidates must agree to a criminal record check. Please note that having a criminal record does not necessarily exclude someone from serving on the board. An expression of interest form is below. Please contact us with any questions at (306) 787-4056 (Regina), 800-667-7526 (Toll-Free), or
- Board of Directors Expression of Interest Form - Arts Community Members
- Board of Directors Expression of Interest Form - General Members
- Board of Directors Governance Materials
Please send completed applications to
Board Members
Cory Furman (Chair), Regina
Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney and Strategic Business Executive
Cory Furman is a strong community advocate and with over 27 years of experience practicing law and has served on numerous boards in Saskatchewan. As a certified Chartered Director, Cory has served eHealth Saskatchewan, Cowessess Ventures Ltd., Creative Saskatchewan, Institute of Corporate Directors – Saskatchewan Chapter, Regina & District Chamber of Commerce, Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership, to name a few. He is an advocate for enhanced organ donation policy in Saskatchewan and spends his personal time at the rink with his family in one of his favourite roles: hockey dad.
Rachel Heidecker (Vice Chair), Osler
Technology, Management, and Marketing Specialist
Rachel Heidecker is a leader in business strategy and transformation, specializing in technology, innovation, management, and marketing. She obtained her Chartered Director designation, is an MBA and BSc graduate from the University of Saskatchewan and received a post-graduate diploma in software technology from the University of Calgary. She was previously a director and manager at the University of Saskatchewan. Rachel is passionate about the arts and may be seen in a variety of flamenco dance performances around Saskatoon.
Michael Afenfia, Saskatoon
Lawyer and Writer
Michael Afenfia is a lawyer and writer with several award-winning published novels. He immigrated to Canada in 2019 and has served on several committees and boards supporting the community, including Word on the Street Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS). His novel The Mechanics of Yenagoa, published in 2021, is being adapted into a TV series. Leave My Bones in Saskatoon, a novel about the immigration experience, is now a recommended text at the University of Calgary. He also contributes to conversations about race relations and equity and mentors young creatives in Nigeria and Canada.
Darin Banadyga, Regina
Retired Executive Director and Former Educator
Darin recently retired from a provincial government executive director role. He has served as a member of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation and the Saskatchewan Games Council boards. He enjoys live theatre and music. His background as an educator and civil servant fostered an appreciation for art as a vital part of community development and strengthening Saskatchewan's quality of life. His training in board governance will be an asset to the board of directors. Darin serves his community by volunteering at his local parish.
Shawn Blackman, Birch Hills
Lawyer and Musician
Shawn E. Blackman is a Senior Crown Prosecutor with the Ministry of Justice. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Shawn has been practicing law for 18 years, and over the last 30 years has performed across Canada as both a featured performer and as a supporting guitarist for several artists. In 2021 Shawn received the "Guitar Player of the Year" conferred by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association.
Keith Busch, Watrous
Financial Officer
Keith Busch is the Chief Financial Officer of Blair's Crop Solutions. He previously directed corporate finance and accounting practices in East and Southeast Asia and administered government finances in Canada's northern territories. He holds an MSc from the University of London and BA from McMaster University. He has been recognized for his community contributions and charitable work from governments both at home and abroad.
Derek Davidson, Regina
Lawyer
Derek Davidson is a Crown Prosecutor with the Province of Saskatchewan in Regina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba. Derek has been practicing law for seven years and has also been involved with the Mentorship program at Mother Theresa Middle School in Regina. He is a regular patron of the Globe Theatre and the Regina International Fringe Theatre Festival.
Darcy Sander, Prince Albert
Retired Educator
Darcy Sander is a retired school principal who has served as Faculty Advisor for several universities subsequent to retirement. He sits on the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners and the Board of Directors for the Prince Albert Community Service Centre. Darcy has performed with numerous groups and musicians throughout the years. In 2015, he received the Western Canadian "Principals of Music Award" conferred by the Canadian Coalition for Music Education and in 2017, he received the "Outstanding Administrator Award" conferred by the Saskatchewan Band Association. Darcy has written, directed, and recorded several school musicals and performs in several musical groups including "Mike and Darcy" and "The Goodfellas."
Rae Staseson, Regina
Educator, Media Artist
Professor Rae Staseson, Dean of the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance at the University of Regina, is also a media artist and curator. Her work has been exhibited internationally in 14 countries and is represented in several collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Walker Art Centre, and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. The focus of her work for the last decade has been a series of video and sound projections tracing themes of home, site/place, and memory. As an administrator and curator, Rae opened, directed, and curated for Concordia's Media Gallery, hosting innovative exhibitions by local, national and international media artists. She joined the University of Regina in 2014, and is leading the faculty in new directions with the recent renaming and rebrand of the Faculty of Fine Arts, now known as the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance.
Lyndon Tootoosis, Battleford
Sculptor
Lyndon Tootoosis, of the Battle River Cree tribal group, has been a sculptor for 25 years. As a youth, he was traditionally guided and learned to make ceremonial objects. With permission from his Elders, he shares their stories, legends, and beliefs through sculpture. His artwork is found in collections across Canada, including that of the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Lyndon has worked with the Allen Sapp Gallery and the Living Sky and Chinook School Districts. In 2014, he was on the artistic team for the North American Indigenous Games, where he served as a mentor and ensured that cultural protocols were followed.