At a meeting in 1968 it was determined that in order to maintain and sponsor arts activities in their communities, a provincial organization should be formed to organize and coordinate programs. The provincial organization would also act as a liaison between the community arts councils. The Saskatchewan Arts Board provided the funding necessary to establish OSAC.
In 1974, it was decided that if the arts councils were to maintain a provincial organization that it was imperative that an office with paid staff be established. Marguerite Gallaway was hired as the first Executive Director and the OSAC office opened in Estevan in April 1974.
Membership, programs and services developed in the 1970’s. The first exhibitions that OSAC toured featured the work of Estevan photographer Gordon Knight, pottery and batik by Maria Stewart (Swift Current) and paintings by Irene Erickson (Elfros) and Yorkton’s Brenda Roberts. Some of the first performers to tour in the Stars for Saskatchewan Concert Series were: Liona Boyd, Maureen Forrester, Canadian Opera Company, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Jon Vickers and Salt Lake Symphonic Choir.
In 1988 the OSAC office moved to Regina where it is presently located and was renovated in 2017.
In 1994, the Saskatchewan Junior Concert Society merged with OSAC. Junior Concerts, a school concert touring program, is now part of OSAC’s Performing Arts Program. Each year 4-5 performers are selected to tour to schools in Saskatchewan.
In 2017, the Junior Concerts was renamed as OSAC's Performing Arts in Schools Program.
In 2018, OSAC celebrated 50 years and was thrilled and honoured to accept the Saskatchewan Arts Board Award - Saskatchewan Arts Award for Leadership, Organization.
The History of OSAC (Prairie History), Article by Lynn Gidluck, University of Regina
OSAC’s success is a result of dedicated volunteers who coordinate activities throughout the province. Volunteers are committed to making culture a vital part of community life. They develop and encourage local interest in the arts and ensure a solid future for culture in the province.
In 2018 Dr. Lynn Gidluck was commissioned to write the early history of OSAC – from 1968 when OSAC began and an office opened in Estevan to 1987 when the office moved to Regina. Extensively using the OSAC archives Dr. Gidluck was able to tell the story of how OSAC started with eight volunteer Arts Councils and grew to over 60 Arts Councils under the guidance of the first OSAC Executive Director, Marguerite Gallaway.
From the early years to tours with Maureen Forrester and Jon Vickers, this is a truly remarkable story of the Saskatchewan Volunteer spirit and hard work to make a grand idea succeed. The book is available for $20 and can be ordered by emailing
OSAC is thankful for the annual global funding support from Saskatchewan Lotteries and the Department of Canadian Heritage. OSAC is able to offer various programs and services with additional support from corporate sponsors, other grants and individual donations. The unifying spirit of volunteer presenters, OSAC, and funders results in more than 250 performances and 100 venues hosting exhibitions each year.