It comes as a surprise to few that the performing arts here in Saskatchewan and all around the world are not fairing particularly well.

Even though theatres in Saskatchewan have technically been allowed to host audiences again since August, many performing arts organizations are still being forced to cancel shows.

SaskArts CEO Michael Jones has been in the thick of this upheaval and has been working closely with the Ministry of Trade and Export Development to help arts organizations re-open. He says that while it is wonderful that theatres are allowed to open, just saying so nearly broaches the topic.

"The government can announce that, 'Okay, theatres can open for 150 people next week!' It's one thing to say that theatres can open next week but if you're doing a production there's months and months of preparation work that goes in before opening day. So just saying that theatres can open next week doesn't really help."

One of the biggest issues facing performing arts organizations is trying to find a way of covering costs when the usual methods have dried up.

"There's no viable [economic] model for a performance with an audience of less than 250 in our old model because there's just no way to recoup your costs...Some smaller companies have also been experimenting with doing a hybrid between live and streamed performances. But that raises all sorts of other questions about how do you monetize online content."

And while the option of putting shows online has been a lifesaver for both arts organizations and audiences alike, it just doesn't quite scratch the same itch.

"I say this as someone who has been enjoying a lot of online content from arts organizations over recent months," jokes Jones, "but it's a very different experience. It's simply not the same. Live performing arts are designed to be a large communal activity, there's something really important about experiencing them with a group of other people."

However, another big uncertainty right now is the audiences themselves. Companies can put all the work into prepping for a socially distanced show but may only find mixed interest. Business/Arts Canada and Nanos Research have conducted a large survey of the nation's culture attendees. The results found that only 26 per cent of previous attendees are eager for in-person experiences to resume immediately. Alternatively, 35 per cent of respondents say they are unsure when they will return to indoor performances.

"It's hard as a performing arts organization to even begin to anticipate - if we could find a way to put something on - if audiences would feel comfortable attending."

As the fall progresses and artistic programming starts to ramp back up, however, Jones says that we should be able to build a much clearer picture of audience interest and participation. And while he knows that not everything is coming up roses, Jones is optimistic about the future of the arts sector in Saskatchewan.

"I believe that the majority of our province's organizations will re-open as they are capable. I believe that some will cease to exist certainly, but I think you see that too with many restaurants and bars. But we will also have some new organizations that will be approaching art in new and exciting ways."

He points to the confluence of both the pandemic and other developments such as the rise in protests against racial injustice in the U.S. around the world. 

"I think we've already seen some of that here in Saskatchewan where we've had some leadership changes in organizations that reflect a desire to hear more from under-represented voices...I think we will see a changed arts sector in two or three years. I can't begin to imagine what that might look like, but I think that the changes could also be very exciting." 

And while this has been a deeply challenging time for individual artists who rely on the now barren gig economy, Jones has faith that they will not only be able to survive this period but also thrive while doing so.

"I believe in the spirit of artists. The people who work in the arts are not here because we make a lot of money doing it, let's be honest. Many of them have extraordinarily high levels of education and do not make the kinds of wages one would expect. They are here because there is a personal drive to be engaged in the arts. I don't think that that spirit ever goes away. I strongly believe that that drive is a necessary part of human nature. I think that in three years - yes things will probably look different - but there will still be a healthy arts sector. It's just going to be a struggle to get there."