Arts Everywhere: The SAA Podcast

Mackenzie Dawson is the artistic director of Saskatoon's Sum Theatre. Mac had big shoes to fill when he took over from the companies original founder Joel Bernbaum, and fill them he has! As Saskatchewan’s first free professional live Theatre in the Park, Sum theatre boasts an impressive attendance record and plays a key part in community building in the province.  We are not for a lack of par...

Welcome back to Balancing Act! This conversation is the continuation of Episode 25 Erin Goodpipe, Amy Matysio, Kris Alvarez, Johanna Bundonan and host Em Ironstar continue an open and honest discussion about finding balance as an artist and how we are, and continue to be, providing a safe and honest environment where we can all have our needs heard, and hopefully fulfilled. Relevant Links: https:/...

This is Part 1 or a two part episode entitled “Balancing Act”.  Part 2 launching soon! Erin Goodpipe, Amy Matysio, Kris Alvarez, and Johanna Bundon join host Em Ironstar for a deep dive into the balancing act that so many artists today find challenging.  Important initiatives are addressing this issue and Saskatchewan is no exception .  As one of our guests says: “Care is all we have. Who is takin...

When the beat of hip-hop converge with the power of literature, transformation beckons.  Khodi  Dill, is an educator and author whose narrative speaks volumes about the role of the arts in societal change. For those who find solace in rhythm and rhyme, this conversation about the underestimated value of hip-hop in the classroom is an eye-opener.  Khodi Challenges the status quo, advocating for a s...

Have you ever paused to consider the symphony of sounds that paint the canvas of our daily lives? This episode invites sound artist Dominique Ferraton to share her transition from the hustle of Montreal to  Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. Against the backdrop of this tranquil environment, Dominique discusses the intimate process of capturing the auditory essence of her new home and the personal evoluti...

Join SAA ED Em Ironstar and Roberta Cross for a lively discussion which dives into how the SAA is "Reimagining Governance" and the process that facilitated change. Em and Roberta talk about implementing honorarium payments for board members and bylaw changes that have critically shifted governance practices at the SAA. Governance and bylaw work might sound boring, but this episode is any...

 Floyd Favel, is a culture worker from the Poundmaker Cree Nation, whose expertise in the arts is as profound as the heritage he carries. Floyd takes us on a journey from the rich oral traditions of his childhood to his expansive work as an artist, and how these experiences shaped his mission to weave indigenous perspectives into the very fabric of the arts. This episode is a profound exploration...

When Alejandro Romero left his medical studies for the unpredictable world of art, he set in motion a compelling  life story. Our latest podcast episode invites you into an intimate conversation with this two-spirit artist, whose lens captures more than just images—it seizes moments of transformation and truth. Alejandro's journey from the vibrant life of Puerto Rico to the vast prairies of S...

Nathan Coppens, a remarkable artist living with ADHD.  His play "I Have No Idea" is more than just a stage production; it's a window into the nuanced world of neurodiversity, emphasizing the power of empathy and the strength found in non-romantic relationships.  The conversation ventures into the realm of music education, where his  own experiences underscore the transformative infl...

Meet  Ariana Malthaner, the research lead with the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance.  Ariana, unveils how her path led her from the intricacies of Old Irish linguistics to becoming a formidable advocate for the arts in Saskatchewan. Along with Em Ironstar, they uncover the surprising economic prowess of the arts scene in the province, backed by meticulous research confirming a substantial $74 million ec...

Tia Furstenberg is a South African transplant making waves in the Canadian prairies with her art studio and her commitment to nurturing local talent in Prince Albert, Tia shares  her initial steps into the world of art to the bold venture of Lemon Yellow Art Studio, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship without a formal business education. Whether it is a happenstance trip to Greece  to...

Jordan Baraniecki embarked on a non-linear journey for his Bachelors of Fine Art, attending three different universities across Canada. During this time, he earned scholarships and awards for his drawing skills at the University of Saskatchewan, as well as some of Canada's top art colleges. Jordan obtained his Masters from Emily Carr Throughout his travels, he nurtured a profound appreciation...

With a wealth of experience under his belt, this episodes guest, Jeremy Morgan gives us an insider's perspective on the growth and development of major arts and heritage organizations. He shares interesting anecdotes about the struggles and victories of securing funding, and reflects on the transformation he has witnessed in the Saskatchewan arts sector over the years. With host Em Ironstar,...

Get ready to be captivated by the intriguing and electrifying journey of Patrick Moonbird, as he takes us on a rollercoaster ride from his early musical beginnings to his current fascinating world of lo-fi bedroom pop. Patrick Moon Bird is an inspiring Indigenous musician, who began playing music at the age of nine, and has evolved into an established Saskatchewan musician, expressing his creativi...

Breanne Harmon is dedicated to a life in the arts, and her work has been rewarded with the prestigious recognition of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for work in the community. She'll be sharing her inspiring adventure from visual arts to theater, and her transition from Green Thumb Theater to her current role as the Executive Director of Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon. Breanne...

Patrick Close is active as a practicing artist, and like many artists, devoted a great deal of his career to arts administration. He has been a key voice within many of Canada's arts organizations and has been a strong advocate for the Status of Artists legislation in our country.  His conversation with Em Ironstar offers an in-depth look at where we've come from and where we need to pro...

Since 2014 Saskatoon residents and visitors have been “taking it to the street”,   in an arts treasure hunt throughout various communities in the city, under the cover of night. Em Ironstar is joined by Jane Reväe McWhirter the curator of Nuit Blanche Saskatoon, which takes place on Treaty 6 Territory.  It's the 10th anniversary of the festival and in this episode you'll hear how much it...

Jennifer Dawn Bishop thought maybe she’d grow up to be an all-star basketball player or perhaps a dress designer.  But a school theatre presentation in grade 8 (Circle of voices playhouse) set her on a course to life in the theatre. She found her voice through acting, writing, directing, stage managing to her current role as artistic director of  the Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre in Saskatoon...

This is the story of a unique, alternative model for producing independent performing art in Saskatoon.  It's the story of opportunity meeting need.  The need  was an organization dedicated to assisting independent artists in overcoming the many barriers, duties and details required to stage their art for public performance. Saskatoon's On the Boards Staging Company met that need and con...

Edie Skeard works in multiple mediums, including sound, drawing, digital media, performance, and installation. Of the many skills Edie wields is that of a contractor in the non-profit, arts sector. If you are wondering what exactly a contractor does, this episode will help to clarify.  Edie will be writing a 3-part series on this role - visit the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance website for more informa...

Em Ironstar is joined by freelance journalist, writer, editor and theatre artist John Loeppky.  John has an often brilliant and insightful take on so many issues within the arts community - and often very humorous.  Em and John discuss some important issues facing our community including, disability culture, activism, business training for artists, and the relationship between art and sport.   Joh...

It's the first Arts Everywhere roundtable!  In this episode, Em Ironstar is joined by Taiwo Afolabi, Ariana Malthaner, Mark Claxton, and Lenore Maier who are all passionate about the work they do within the non-profit arts sector.  All four guests had the opportunity to attend the 2023 Arts Service Organization Convergence and share their "take away" moments from the event.  It&apos...

Josh Haugerud grew up in the small town of Craik Saskatchewan. His journey so far as been eclectic to say the least: in the trades as a welder, a bachelor degrees in women's and gender studies and political science , working in the credit union system in marketing and policy development, running the medical first responders and therapy dog programs for St John ambulance Saskatchewan,  a multi...

Mark Turner knows how to navigate his life in the arts which, planned or not, has led him to his current position as Executive Director and Creative Producer of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra .  Now in its 92nd season, the Symphony has faced many challenges, not the least of which has been the pandemic.  This is an honest and thought provoking conversation with a guest who grew up in a generatio...

There are no more fitting words to describe this episode than those found on this weeks guest's website "Chasing dreams and honouring family legacies".   The conversation between host Em Ironstar and her long-time childhood friend Krystal Glowatski weaves through a journey of self-exploration, reflecting on the influence of family, a passion for restorative justice, and reconnecting...