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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Lisa Bird-Wilson - Portrait of Indigenous woman with lack and blonde Ombre hair smiling.

Photo credit:  George Gingras © Gabriel Dumont Institute

Lisa Bird-Wilson

Lisa Bird-Wilson 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. Lisa lives in Saskatoon and is the CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Canada’s first Métis post-secondary education and cultural institute.

Tim Blackett - Portrait of smiling man with dark hair wearing a burgundy knitted sweater.

Photo credit: Samone Hilton

Timothy Blackett

Tim was born and raised in Regina. He’s been writing since the tenth grade, when he was forced to enter a school-wide poetry contest. His debut collection of short fiction, Grandview Drive, is scheduled to be released by Nightwood Editions in October 2023. When he’s not reading or writing, he fluctuates wildly through various hobbies that include cooking, baking, making collage art, playing Pokémon Go, or singing karaoke. He lives with his fiancé and their three kids (combined family).

“…a young, talented fiction writer…” – Lisa Bird-Wilson 

Timothy Blackett is a young, talented fiction writer living and working in Regina. He’s committed to his craft, completing two university degrees plus a post-graduate certificate in creative writing from Humber College. His short story collection won second place in the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild’s John V. Hicks Long Manuscript Awards in 2019 and is being published soon. He lives in Regina where he raises his three kids. I’m looking forward to the publication of Tim’s book(s) in the future. I’m pleased to nominate Tim for this recognition.