Arts Everywhere: The SAA Podcast

The state of the arts in Canada is a delicate balance. While many of us hope for larger budget increases, even modest gains—especially when other sectors receive far more, deserve genuine gratitude.

When advocating for additional funding, it’s crucial to have strong allies. Host Em Ironstar, Sarah Iley, Karla Etienne, and Simon Mallett;  members of the Canadian Arts Coalition, are exactly the supporters we need. Their volunteer dedi...

Ask any artist and they will tell you that in their world, collaboration is essential.  And this episodes guests concur.  Jillian Ross and her partner Brendan Copestake founded Jillian Ross Print in 2021 as a collaborative print studio and publisher working primarily with South African and Canadian artists, studios, institutions and galleries to develop print projects, exhibitions, art workshops, and talks. Collaboration is central...

Recorded live in August 2025, the Manitou Beach Literary Festival celebrates the diversity of Saskatchewan's authors and literary community.

Join author Miguel Fenrich and the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate, Tai Reign in conversation about Tai's work, how they manage self-care, and some deep insights on society today.

Miguel is a queer, Sudanese-Canadian professional artist living and playing on Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatoon. A...

In this 4th episode in the series "Mental Health and the Arts" guest host Kevin power talks with award-winning author David A. Robertson to discuss his 2025 memoir, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety. David opens up about his journey with chronic anxiety and depression. David says: "If someone's going to look at me... they might think that I've got it all together. And I think it&ap...

 Jay Semko is a founding member and lead singer of the iconic Canadian band The Northern Pikes.  Jay joins guest host Kevin Power to share his personal journey through mental health struggles and substance abuse.  Jay’s story is one of resilience, vulnerability—ultimately learning how to ride the waves of depression, and learning to be at peace with it all. Jay is now using his experiences to inspire others, particularly school stu...

Marian Donnelly began her professional path in the  arts and non-profit sector when she was in her teens.  50 years (as of 2025) later she is still at it!  And there is "not a damn thing" Marian could tell her teen self if she could, because the path is filled with dips and turns and successes, disappointments, frustrating, and joy that no one could prepare for until you are in it.  And in it she is!  Marian's motto ...

Given her massive success as a Canadian photographer it's hard to believe that there was a time, when, not once, but twice Thelma Pepper faced depression head-on.  Her belief was that she needed to find something that would make her feel good about herself.  Those who know her work can attest to the fact that the power of her photography touched the lives of her subjects and audiences.  It is that kind of reaction that was all...

The Caswell Bus Barns project is an ambitious redevelopment initiative in Saskatoon, transforming the historic Saskatoon Transit facility into a vibrant mixed-use hub. Spearheaded by CBB Ltd., a consortium of local investors, developers, and designers, the project aims to preserve the site's heritage while introducing modern spaces. 

At the heart of this transformation is Crystal Bueckert, a renowned Saskatoon-based designer an...

With her ancestral ties to the traditional territory of Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Lyndsay Amato's work is greatly influenced by lived experience, education and blood memory and her extensive experience working in the fields of education and Indigenous media.

She is passionate about strengthening the voice and influence of First Nation perspectives within community programs by bringing her unique perspective to the...

The digital media landscape presents several challenges, including the overwhelming amount of information available, making it difficult  to discern reliable sources from misinformation. In this episode, journalist John Loeppky offers his thoughts on choosing sources wisely. Together with host Em Ironstar you'll learn how to vary your own media diet and learn about some of the sources they have come to trust.

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Most artists in this province/country have learned that the key to a thriving career is diversification. Rowan Pantel and Kenn McLeod are two Saskatoon based artists who have perfected the art of juggling a myriad of positions - from performers, to arts administrators, mentors, teachers, community engagers, advocacy and much more.  In this episode the are joined by podcast host, Em Ironstar to share just how fulfilling their lives ...

Call them "New Years Resolutions" or "Life resolutions" Danielle Richardson is poised to meet one of her goals (one we could all take to heart):  Schedule "walk-and-think" sessions once a week.  Because a life as an artist and arts administrator can be all-consuming if not kept in check.  Danielle Richardson is a spoken word poet, Canadian national poetry slam champion, independent theatre creator,  co...

Trans Futurity is a concept that envisions a future where transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals are fully embraced, empowered, and integrated into all aspects of society, free from discrimination and oppression. Perhaps more challenging than ever in our current political climate.  Saskatchewan is not immune.  This episode's guests are Jaye Kovach and Cat Haines.  Creative, groundbreaking, outspoken advocates, and de...

Never make the assumption that an artist is practicing what amounts to be a hobby! That's what this episodes guest Melanie Monique Rose might experience were it not for her wise business choices in which making a fair and equitable, living wage is a non-negotiable, or at the very least, on her terms.

Ensuring artists receive a decent wage is crucial for the sustainability of creative industries and the well-being of t...

Welcome to the THIRD season of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance's podcast "Arts Everywhere"!  And what better way to kick off the season with the greatly anticipated opening of Regina's Globe Theatre.  It's been a journey over the past 3 years and the efforts of hundreds of people the finishing touches are just about done so that the Globe is ready to kick off their 2024-25 season! Em Ironstar is joined by th...

Eekwol is a dynamic and influential Indigenous hip hop artist from the Muskoday Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. She is known for her powerful and thought-provoking lyrics. Eekwol blends traditional Indigenous themes with contemporary hip hop sounds to address social issues, cultural identity, and personal empowerment. Eekwol's work not only showcases her unique talent and perspective but also serves as a platform for amplify...

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 parks in Saskatchewan and for Sum Thea...

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://balancingactcan...

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 taking care of the ambassadors ...