REGINA, SK, NOVEMBER 18, 2024 — Provincial arts funding agency SK Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Bird-Wilson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 18, 2024. Lisa is a Saskatchewan Métis and Cree writer whose award-winning novel, Probably Ruby, was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Amazon First Novel Award.
Bird-Wilson joins SK Arts – a crown agency under the Government of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport portfolio – from her previous role as the CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research Inc., Canada’s first Métis post-secondary education and cultural institute, where she has over 25 years of experience with the institute and authored An Institute of Our Own: A History of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, a book chronicling the institute’s history.
“Saskatchewan has a vibrant arts, culture and heritage sector and is home to talented and creative individuals and organizations,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “Congratulations to Ian Rea on being named SK Arts Board Chair and Lisa Bird-Wilson on her appointment as CEO. Through their leadership, SK Arts will continue to support artists and create opportunities for Saskatchewan residents to experience art in their communities. I look forward to working with them as we move forward.”
Rea, appointed in the summer of 2024, shared that Bird-Wilson’s appointment is just one of a recent series of transitions the agency has undergone. Between 2023 and 2024, former CEO Michael Jones – who will be available to support Bird-Wilson during the transition – Program Consultants Joanne Gerber and Philip Adams and Policy Planning and Advisor Carol Greyeyes all retired. The agency also lost Director of Administration Gail Paul Armstrong in 2024 following decades of service to the arts.
“Lisa personifies the vision of change and leadership needed to guide SK Arts into the future,” said Rea. “With her extensive background in the arts and commitment to fostering creativity, we are confident that Lisa will lead our agency to new heights.”
Bird-Wilson says that while she plans to focus on expanding funding opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, community engagement, and advocating for the importance of the arts, she is enthusiastic about listening, learning, and establishing trust as she connects with the Board, Staff and the arts community.
“I look forward to stepping into the role of CEO and continuing the agency’s important work supporting artists and cultural initiatives across our community,” Bird-Wilson said. “With the full support of the government and our partners, I look forward to championing creativity, innovation, diversity and access to the arts. I look forward to being part of the amazing work of the staff, artists, organizations, and communities to advance our vibrant cultural landscape.”
SK Arts provides funding to Saskatchewan artists to support artists, arts projects, events and community initiatives, enabling the public to experience the arts. The agency will host welcome receptions later this quarter in Regina and Saskatoon, where community members can meet Bird-Wilson and learn more about her vision for the funding agency’s future.
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About SK Arts
Founded in 1948 as the Saskatchewan Arts Board, SK Arts has been providing funding and support to the arts community in Saskatchewan for over 75 years. SK Arts provide grants, programs and services to individuals and groups whose activities have an impact on the arts in Saskatchewan to ensure that opportunities exist for Saskatchewan residents to experience all art forms. For more information, visit www.sk-arts.ca.
Media Contact:
Shandean Reid
SK Arts
306-519-5892
Photo credit: George Gingras © Gabriel Dumont Institute