Arts Everywhere: The SAA Podcast

When Roberta Cross steps into the room, you know that the conversation is about to take an enlightening turn. Her journey from the world of international diplomacy to reshaping the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance has been anything but ordinary, and she's here to share her insights with us. With a history that spans continents and sectors, Roberta's unique perspective on the evolution of nonprofit governance has sparked a chang...

 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 of respect, remembrance, a...

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 Saskatchewan is a testament to the p...

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 influence of family and public schoolin...

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 economic injection in Saskatchewan.

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 assist with an art exhibit...

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 for introspection, philosophy, and...

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, the two examine the impact ...

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 creativity through a genre called "Lo-...

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 talks about her mentor, who foresa...

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 protect the equitable rights that arti...

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 has grown. 

The Sask...

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.  Jennifer’s life is proof that th...

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 continues to do so today.  On the Boar...

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 information.  Em Ironstar and Edie cover a...

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.   Johns work has appeared for the likes ...

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's a true celebration of "...

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-instrumentalist, 5 years running R...

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 generational arts family so his life in the a...