Majority of Sask. residents polled in survey support more investment into arts and culture

A new survey shows Saskatchewan residents value arts and culture, but affordability remains a major barrier to participation.

A recent survey revealed that people in Saskatchewan want more investment into arts and culture.

Commissioned by the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance and conducted by Insightrix in the fall of 2025, the online poll included 400 residents from a mix of urban, rural, and northern communities, with results weighted to reflect provincial proportions.

Of those polled, 86 per cent believe that government should maintain or increase funding for the arts, with 54 per cent of those surveyed supporting an increase.

Eighty-six per cent of those surveyed say arts and culture are important for children and youth, while 81 per cent say affordability limits participation.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

“We hear every day that arts and culture matter to people in this province. This survey backs that up,” said Em Ironstar, executive director of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance.

Ironstar said the survey also revealed only about two to seven per cent of respondents held negative views about arts and culture.

“That perspective is in the clear minority, but it highlights where public education can strengthen understanding of the arts’ social and economic benefits across Saskatchewan.”

Full findings of the survey were presented during a conference at the Artesian in Regina on Wednesday.