Melfort Arts Council: Un rêve n’est jamais trop grand
Since its founding in 1975, the Melfort Arts Council (MAC) has been a pillar of the local arts community. In 2020, a group of dedicated volunteers began rebuilding MAC, transforming it into a thriving organization in just four short years. From fostering community engagement to supporting performing arts, MAC’s leadership team—chaired by Joanne Bolen, with performing arts oversight from Karen Eckhart, visual arts oversight from Brenda Mellon, and financial stewardship by Sandra Jensen—takes pride in its growing impact. “Arts bring camaraderie and belonging to our community,” Karen shared, emphasizing the importance of making arts accessible and vital for everyone.
For MAC, artsvest has been a transformative force. The mentorship program stands out as an invaluable resource, offering both inspiration and practical guidance. Karen reflected on a memorable mentorship session with Jeff Erbach, which encouraged MAC to envision and pursue its “wildest dreams.” This newfound confidence helped them propose turning Melfort’s historic post office into an arts and culture hub—a project now underway with support from the city. Additionally, artsvest webinars provided tools for crafting compelling pitches, which enabled MAC to secure funding through initiatives like “100 Women Who Care.” As Joanne described, “artsvest opens doors, builds connections, and unites our vision.”
Looking ahead, MAC plans to continue leveraging artsvest’s resources to navigate challenges like governance and fundraising while deepening its relationships with local businesses. Karen highlighted how businesses benefit from supporting the arts, noting that partnerships foster community vitality and mutual connection. “The arts are for every age and offer something lifelong,” she said. For organizations considering artsvest, Joanne summed it up perfectly: “It’s a golden opportunity—a no-brainer! artsvest brought our visions to life.”
Photos : Melfort Arts Council
Partenaires et bailleurs de fonds
artsvest en Saskatchewan est rendu possible grâce au gouvernement du Canada et au gouvernement de la Saskatchewan
