Saskatchewan NAC Creating Next Generations of Artists

The Saskatchewan Network for Arts Collecting (NAC) is known for its online resource that focuses on Saskatchewan visual arts, but also for its online art auctions that support many charities including Creative Kids.

Robin Schlaht started the Saskatchewan NAC after the Saskatchewan’s film industry saw a downturn. To be self- sustaining, the organization started partnering with charities in 2014, offering artworks on behalf of charitable organizations with little or no commission. He invited Creative Kids to participate in the online art auctions, and to date, the dollars for Creative Kids from the auctions have helped support many kids to participate in arts and cultural activities.

“It seemed like a natural fit to include Creative Kids as a partner charity for our auctions. Art collectors, although they are often not artists themselves, are very appreciative of the creative impulse and the need to foster that,” he explains. “We know that making art is not easy, and that starting that journey takes real courage. And, of course, we’re keen to ensure that there will be future generations creating great art and contributing to Saskatchewan culture.”

He adds that some of the artworks are sourced by the charities themselves, and some are provided by art collectors who bring works to the NAC to auction for the benefit of Saskatchewan charities.

Schlaht has been involved in the arts since he was 18 years old. Photography was his first passion, and he worked as a newspaper and travel photographer for several years before deciding to study filmmaking at the University of Regina. Working several years as a filmaker, Schlaht was also an arts collector and this experience helped in the creation of the NAC.

“As an art collector I kept wishing that there was more information available about Saskatchewan artists of the past and present, and about the history of Saskatchewan art, and that’s what the Saskatchewan NAC is meant to provide.”

“We know that making art is not easy, and that starting that journey takes real courage. And of course we’re keen to ensure that there will be future generations creating great art and contributing to Saskatchewan culture.”

Saskatchewan NAC has been partnering with charities since 2014, offering artworks on behalf of charitable organizations, including Creative Kids.

Photos by Robin Schlaht