SK Arts will have one public, open call for submissions every other year. In 2025, the submission deadline is April 1, 2025; the following open submission deadline will be in 2027. As part of the public, open purchase process, all works under consideration must be made available to SK Arts for an in-person inspection at our offices for the final review panel in August/September of the submission year (dates to be confirmed).
In alternate years (starting in 2024), acquisitions will be curated to build the collection in specific areas. Curation may involve an open call to members of a specific community, selecting from recognized bodies of Saskatchewan work, commissions from specific artists, and/or several other methods.
Donation submissions are accepted at any time and are assessed three times each year. To begin the donation process, please contact SK Arts' Registrar at
Public Open Purchase Deadlines
- Submission Portal Opens: April 1, 2025
- Submission Deadline: May 12, 2025
Following the 2025 public, open purchase submission deadline, the next public, open purchase submission deadline will be in spring 2027.
Contact
Registrar
800-667-7526 (Toll-Free)
Application and Information
FAQs
How many items are added to the collection in a typical year?
Approximately 30 to 60 items are added each year.
What is the annual budget for Permanent Collection acquisitions?
The budget is one per cent (1%) of the amount SK Arts receives from the province’s General Revenue Fund. For example, if SK Arts receives $6 million, then the acquisition budget would be $60,000. In addition to that 1%, a special purchase may be made using funds from the SK Arts Endowment Fund.
Are there any restrictions on works considered for acquisition regarding size, media, etc.?
Fine arts and craft are collected, with an emphasis on public access. Special requirements, potential conservation requirements, human resources capacity and storage needs are evaluated. To discuss concerns regarding a specific work you want considered, please contact the Registrar.
Does an artist have to be living in Saskatchewan to be considered for acquisition?
Most artists considered are current residents of Saskatchewan; however, we also consider artists who have done significant work in the province.
What are the criteria for inclusion in the Permanent Collection?
Artwork must be created by a Saskatchewan artist or by an artist connected in some way to Saskatchewan. Preference is given to contemporary work by living artists. Criteria include relevance and public access. Review submission guidelines for more details.
Who makes the acquisition decisions?
Purchase submissions are assessed by an independent panel of artists and arts professionals with discipline-specific knowledge and experience in your art form. Donation submissions are assessed by the Curatorial Working Group which is made up of SK Arts staff and Board of Directors.
Are all artworks donated or bequeathed accepted into the Permanent Collection?
Not all works offered as gifts are accepted. They are reviewed by the Curatorial Working Group, which considers the same criteria as for purchase relevance and public access.
Are there any tax benefits for donating work to the Permanent Collection?
There are usually tax benefits to the donor.
Can an artist donate their own work?
Yes.
Can a student submit their work for purchase or donation?
For undergraduate students, one year must pass between their last semester of study and submission to the collection. Graduate students are eligible to submit at any time.
If I have received a grant, can I still submit?
Yes, and if the work was made thanks to an SK Arts grant, please indicate this in the submission.
How much time must pass between purchases?
Five years must pass between purchases of that artist’s work. Donated works do not impact an artist’s purchase eligibility.
If my submission is unsuccessful, how long before I can apply again?
If your submission is unsuccessful, don’t be discouraged. You can reapply at the next submission deadline. Also, consider contacting the Registrar for feedback to improve your next submission.
How many objects can I submit for consideration?
Artists may submit a maximum of six artworks for purchase consideration. There is no submission limit for donations.
How do I make a submission?
Submissions can be made online through SmartSimple.
When will I be notified about the status of my submission?
The purchase review process involves three stages:
Stage 1 – applicants will be notified within 6 weeks of the submission deadline whether their work will be moving forward to the next stage.
Stage 2 – applicants will be notified within 10 weeks of the submission deadline whether their work will be moving forward to the next stage. And arrangements will be made for their work to be delivered to the Regina SK Arts office.
Stage 3 – applicants will be notified within 5 months of the submission deadline whether their work will be acquired.
Photo credit: Leah Dorion, Michif Women's Lodge (crop), 2009, acrylic on panel. Photo courtesy of SK Arts Permanent Collection.