Female Arts Entrepreneur Award

Supported by The Dick & Jane Endowment Fund

Introduction

Since its inception in 2007, the Saskatchewan Foundation For the Arts has been dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the immense talent of Saskatchewan artists. Through the generosity of our endowment donors, the Foundation provides awards when funds are available or when donors have contributed to annual awards.

These awards are a testament to the vision, commitment, and generosity of our donors. We extend our gratitude for empowering Saskatchewan artists to reach new heights and make a lasting impact on the arts community.

The Dick & Jane Endowment Fund Awards

Created by Richard Spafford and Jane Turnbull Evans, lifelong supporters of the arts. Richard was a founding member of the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts and fulfilled Jane’s dream of enabling individuals, businesses, and corporations to build permanent resources for the arts.

The Award

Female Arts Entrepreneur Award: Supports mid-career or established women artists; includes business development, professional skill training, strategic planning, marketing/social media.

Application Deadline

Applications can be submitted until 11:59 PM (PT) on November 16, 2025.
If online submission is not possible, contact the SFFA Award Consultant.

Eligibility

Artistic Category Eligibility

  • Applicants may apply for one award per year.
  • Endowment awards jury may move applications to different awards where necessary.
  • Previous winners may reapply after a seven-year period.

Eligible Applicants

Emerging or established professional artists who are:

  • Current Saskatchewan residents (minimum 1 year) and Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Graduate students with projects not for academic credit (letter from department head required).
  • Saskatchewan residents temporarily absent for up to one year (residency, arts education) with intent to return.

Ineligible Applicants

  • Presenters or agents applying on behalf of an artist.
  • Undergraduate students unless they have an existing artistic practice and the project is not for academic credit (confirmation letter required).

Eligible and Ineligible Activities

Eligible Activities

  • Creation of new work or development of work-in-progress (completed within one calendar year of award).
  • Activities consistent with donor award criteria.
  • Activities required to continue a work-in-progress.

Ineligible Activities

  • Projects before the application deadline or beyond the one-year term.
  • Projects for academic credit or solely for professional development.
  • Commissioned works.

Adjudication

  • Applications are reviewed by an independent jury of artists and arts professionals.
  • Jury deliberations are confidential.
  • Assessment is based on:
    • Artistic merit
    • Alignment with award criteria
    • Potential impact on the artist’s practice
  • Based on the assessment results, the jury may at its discretion recommend that an applicant receive the award for a different award category providing the applicant and the project meet the eligibility requirements for that award.
  • The decision of the Foundation is final and not subject to appeal.

Closing Statement

The 2025 Endowment Funds Awards Package celebrates the creativity, innovation, and excellence of Saskatchewan artists. Thanks to the generosity and vision of our donors, these awards foster artistic growth, recognize achievement, and inspire future generations. Together, we are building a vibrant arts community that enriches the cultural fabric of our province and beyond.

Apply Online

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