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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Jennifer Dawn Bishop - Portrait of Indigenous woman smiling, She is wearing s black cardigan and blue blouse.

Photo Credit: Micah Elgaard

Jennifer Dawn Bishop

Jennifer is a Metís artist born and raised in Treaty 6. She is an actor, playwright, director, and the Artistic Director of the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre. Jennifer first got into theatre when the Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre (formerly Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company) first opened its doors in 1999 with the Circle of Voices Program. Since then, Jennifer has remained connected to the theatre community and culture. She has a deep love of theatre, her community and more.

Luka Kelly - Picture of young woman with red hair and hand on her cheek.

Photo Credit: None

Luka Kelly

Luka Kelly is an independent artist born and raised in Saskatoon. They’re a non-binary, Métis makeup artist, cosplayer, and bead worker. They’re an alumnus of Circle of Voices, 2021/2022. They were an assistant stage manager for their show You Didn’t Hear It From Me by Nitanis Bear. During the new year, they had the opportunity to shadow the Stage manager and Assistant Stage manager during Persephone Theatres Production of The Herd by Kenneth T. Williams. Shortly after that, they went into full swing at GTNT’s Circle of Voices 2022-2023 production of Dead Hand Signal by Logan Martin-Arcand.

“Hella artistic!” — Jennifer Dawn Bishop on Luka Kelly

I want to highlight Luka Kelly. This emerging artist has made milestones since completing GTNT’s Circle of Voices 2021-2022 Program. They are hella artistic! They are unique, creative, and genuine. Most recently, they have taken a huge leap from assistant stage management in last years, COV program to full on Stage Managing this years COV production of Dead Hand Signal by Logan Martin-Arcand.