Purchases
SK Arts provides financial support to Saskatchewan artists through purchase. Inclusion in the Permanent Collection further champions artists by honouring the legacy of their work through collection programming.
SK Arts will have one public, open call for submissions every other year. The next open submission deadline will be in spring 2027. As part of the public, open purchase process, all works under consideration must be made available to SK Arts for an in-person inspection at our offices for the final review panel in August/September of the submission year.
In alternate years, acquisitions will be curated to build the collection in specific areas. Curation may involve an open call to members of a specific community, selecting from recognized bodies of Saskatchewan work, commissions from specific artists and/or several other methods.
Public Open Purchase Deadline
- Submission Portal Opens: Spring 2027
- Submission Deadline: TBD
Contact
Registrar
acquisitions@sk-arts.ca
(306) 510-1183 or 800-667-7526 (Toll-Free)
Application and Information
FAQs
Are there any restrictions on works considered for acquisition regarding size, media, etc.?
Fine arts and craft are collected, with an emphasis on public access. Special requirements, potential conservation requirements, human resources capacity and storage needs are evaluated. Consult the Permanent Collection Purchase Submission Guidelines for more information.
Does an artist have to be living in Saskatchewan to be considered for acquisition?
Most artists considered are current residents of Saskatchewan; however, we also consider artists who have done significant work in the province as outlined by the Permanent Collection Purchase Submission Guidelines.
Do you purchase artworks from collections or estates?
No, SK Arts only purchases artworks from living artists.
Who makes the purchase decisions?
Purchase submissions are assessed by an independent panel of artists and arts professionals with discipline-specific knowledge and experience in your art form.
Can a student submit their work for purchase?
For undergraduate students, one year must pass between their last semester of study and submission to the collection. Graduate students are eligible to submit at any time.
If I have received a grant, can I still submit?
Yes, and if the work was made thanks to an SK Arts grant, please indicate this in the submission.
How much time must pass between purchases?
Five years must pass between purchases of artwork. Donated works do not impact an artist’s purchase eligibility.
If my submission is unsuccessful, how long before I can apply again?
If your submission is unsuccessful, don’t be discouraged. You can reapply at the next submission intake period. Also, consider contacting the Registrar for feedback to improve your next submission. They can be contacted at acquisitions@sk-arts.ca, (306) 510-1183 or 800-667-7526.
How many artworks can I submit for consideration?
Artists may submit a maximum of six artworks for purchase consideration.
How do I make a submission?
Submissions can be made online through SK Arts Portal.
When will I be notified about the status of my submission?
The purchase review process involves three stages:
- Stage 1: Applicants will be notified within six weeks of the submission deadline whether their work will be moving forward to the next stage.
- Stage 2: Applicants will be notified within 10 weeks of the submission deadline whether their work will be moving forward to the next stage, and arrangements will be made for their work to be delivered to the SK Arts office in Regina.
- Stage 3: Applicants will be notified within five months of the submission deadline whether their work will be acquired.
Photo credit: Leah Dorion, Michif Women’s Lodge (crop), 2009, acrylic on panel. Photo courtesy of SK Arts Permanent Collection.
