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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Bradley Bellegarde, SK Arts 75th anniversary nominator - Portrait of Indigenous man standing in front of records on a wall. H is holding a string on his neck.

Photo credit: Michael Dubois

Bradley Bellegarde

CBC Future 40 Award Winner and Neechie Gear Role Model, Brad Bellegarde aka InfoRed has been a featured artist at events such as Aboriginal Music Week in Winnipeg, Manitoba, APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live and Vancouver’s Olympic Games celebrations. Brad is a proud Nakota/Cree member of the Little Black Bear First Nation who calls Regina home. A true believer that education is the new Buffalo, his work in schools gave him a unique opportunity to present his methods of education at the VIII International Conference of Intercultural Education in Indigenous Contexts in Temuco, Chile. In 2012, InfoRed performed for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during their Royal visit.

Nige B Artwork, SK Arts 75th anniversary nominee - Picture of artwork showing a staircase.

Photo credit: Nige B

Nige B

Nige B is an aboriginal artist/producer from La Ronge, Treaty Six territory. He has been playing music for over 20 years but only started producing his music and became a solo artist since the COVID-19 lockdown. Since then, Nige was nominated for three Saskatchewan Music Awards, one in 2021 and two in 2022 for Instrumental Artist of The Year. Nige is also a music teacher with Camp Sask, teaching music in northern communities. He released his debut EP Circa 1990 in April 2021, and his follow-up EP In Retrospect in September 2022. He is currently working on his album titled U R What U R which is scheduled for release in April.

“… mentoring and teaching elementary and high school students.” – Bradley Bellegarde

I have chosen to nominate Nigel Bell, who resides in Saskatoon and is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. Nigel grew up in La Ronge and is a musician and producer who recently won the Saskatchewan Music Award for Instrumental Artist of the Year. In addition to being a musician, Nigel has spent the last few years as an artist in residence in Stanley Mission, mentoring and teaching elementary and high school students through the Community Arts Mentorship Program (C.A.M.P.), and he continues to pursue his career in the music industry.