New Arts Board for Saskatchewan
Regina Leader-Post
February 2, 1948. p.3
Formation of Canada's first provincial arts board, designed to pool Saskatchewan's scattered cultural facilities and extend them to smaller towns and villages was announced Monday by Education Minister W.S. Lloyd.
Comprising leaders in visual arts, music, drama and literature and representatives of the government and general public, the arts board will provide opportunities and leadership for people wishing to participate in these fields, Mr. Lloyd said.
No program has been decided yet by the 13-man board, whose formation followed 10 months of planning by the government adult education division but its chairman, Dean Stewart Basterfield of Regina college and David Smith, director of adult education, agreed travelling art exhibits, musical and theatrical groups will be part.
It would also actively encourage local writers, musicians and painters, assist handicraft groups and provide instruction wherever needed.
Much Work Done
Dean Basterfield - said much work had been done by amateur dramatic and musical groups in rural areas, but cultural opportunities now were largely confined to the four larger cities.
Norah McCullough, formerly on the staff of the Toronto art gallery and the National Gallery at Ottawa, will be secretary of the board.
Other members include: Ernest Lindner, Saskatoon, representing visual arts; Prof. E.M. Jones, Saskatoon, representing drama; Dr. Carlyle King, Universtiy of Saskatchewan, representing literature, and E. A. Moore, Regina, representing music.
Representing the provincial government will be Mr. Smith, and Dr. J. B. Kirkpatrick, physical fitness division of the department of public health.
Citizen members of the board are: B. T. Richardson, Saskatoon; Kenneth Davey, Prince Albert; Mrs. Hugh McKenzie, Biggar; H. F. Harmer, Meyronne; Mary Louise Long, Melfort; and Anne McClenaghan, Swift Current.
Functions of the board follow the pattern established by the British Arts council, which for several years has been successful in extending cultural opportunities throughout the smaller communities in England.
First meeting of the board will be held Feb. 7, in Regina.
