This time last year, Ore Samples didn’t exist. Now, the Creighton-based writers’ series is up and running, and will be getting some help from the Saskatchewan government.
Ore Samples will receive a $4,000 provincial grant through Saskatchewan’s Artists in Communities program.
“It was a big community effort,” said Brenda Schmidt, who created the group last year.
The grant will be spent on travel and reading fees for visiting writers and local performers.
Since Flin Flon is far from a major population centre, travel expenses can be high. “That’s what I asked the money for, and we got the full amount I requested,” said Schmidt. “It’s huge.”
For Ore Samples, being based in a remote area can make attracting authors to Flin Flon difficult. “For us to have a national presence and to bring in writers from various places, it costs a lot,” said Schmidt. “All the people involved with the arts here know.”
The grant application package Schmidt submitted included letters of support from local businesses and institutions.
“The grant application was supported by letters from Cindy McLean from the [Flin Flon] Public Library and Crystal Kolt wrote one on behalf of the Flin Flon Arts Council,” said Schmidt. “In the budget, you reflect on support from people like her, from local businesses… all this community support was reflected in the application that went forward.”
The next Ore Samples reading is scheduled for September 15, with Edmonton-based author Wendy McGrath set to perform at the Flin Flon Public Library. Other authors, like Saskatchewan Poet Laureate Gerald Hill and Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke, will participate in future events.
