WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE OSAC PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM?

The aim of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils' (OSAC's) performing arts program is to assist arts councils to present live, high quality performances from a diverse range of cultures and disciplines to enhance the quality of life in Saskatchewan, and to develop a future audience for the performing arts.

3.1Strategies:

3.1.1 To offer arts councils a variety of programming possibilities that reflect the cultural diversity of the province and to showcase performers at Showcase, whose selection is based on their quality, professionalism, marketability, and fee.

• Provide a variety of performing disciplines drawn from the applications received.

• Ensure quality of performers or performing groups based on the subjective appreciation and reaction of a representative group of presenters, peers, and others in the performing arts field.

• Ensure the professionalism of performers and performing groups.

• Consider the unique nature of the Saskatchewan market including the demographics of the audience, the economy of the rural community, and the reputation of the performer or performing group on the national scene.

• Weigh the price of the performance against the stature of the performer and the price reduction available for block booking opportunities.

• Give some preference to performers who reside in Saskatchewan at the time of their application.

• Consider the educational exposure for the development of arts councils' awareness of presenting particular art forms.

3.1.2T o offer arts councils the opportunity to present live performances for adults, families, children, and young audiences in a community setting.

• Provide information to arts councils on an ongoing basis about the availability of performers.

• Consult with arts councils regarding the content of their series in light of artistic values, quality of performers, and variety of disciplines being presented.

• Encourage arts councils to block book performers through a documented and regular booking cycle, including a booking meeting.

• Provide administrative services including negotiation of fees, scheduling of tours, and contracting with performers on behalf of arts councils.

3.1.3 To provide financial resources to arts councils presenting performances through the Performing Arts Grant.

• Provide a direct subsidy to arts councils in booking performers.

• Ensure arts councils' accountability to OSAC.

3.1.4 To provide quality marketing consultation, information, and workshops on marketing on an ongoing basis.

• Provide consultation to arts councils.

• Develop workshops for arts councils.

3.1.5 To encourage and support the development and promotion of Saskatchewan performers.

• Encourage Saskatchewan performers to participate in the OSAC system.

• Develop workshops specifically for Saskatchewan performers.

• Promote Saskatchewan performers to both arts councils and their audiences.

• Maintain a referral list of Saskatchewan performers with discipline specific information.

• Saskatchewan Performer: defined as a resident of Saskatchewan at the time of showcasing or at the beginning of a booking cycle. For Showcase, there is no quota established either by number or percentage of the total selected to showcase for Saskatchewan performers. The criteria of quality, professionalism, marketability, and price are considered in each case.