Our History...
Since 2007
Creative Kids is the first program of its kind in Canada. In 2007, community volunteers approached SaskCulture about developing a program that would assist children and youth, whose families faced financial barriers to accessing and participating in arts and cultural activities. At the time, KidSport™ was successfully providing access for children to participate in sport programs, but there wasn’t a similar organization offering opportunities for cultural activity. SaskCulture embarked on a feasibility study and worked with community partners, such as SK Arts, to develop a plan to address the growing needs. Volunteer members of an initial steering committe formed the Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) to continue to provide direction and help move the program foward.
In February 2010, SaskCulture launched Creative Kids as a charitable giving program, under the Give Kids a Chance charity. In the fall of 2010, the first grant went to help a young girl try a dance class in Saskatoon. Since this time, Creative Kids has worked on raising funds to support more and more children across the province. Since 2010, Creative Kids has granted over $5.38 million and helped more than 11,659 kids in more than 241 communities across Saskatchewan explore their creative dreams through inclusion in arts and culture activities. In 2016, Creative Kids Canada was established as its own charity, directed by SaskCulture.
SaskCulture is able to cover 100 per cent of the administrative and operating costs for Creative Kids, thanks to funding from Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation, so that 100 per cent donations and sponsorships go directly to the kids
Download our most recent newsletter and our progress reports below to see the extent of the opportunities being created in Saskatchewan:
