The Robert Steane Funds for the Arts
Bob Steane made a final legacy gift to the Saskatoon community in 2019, trusting Saskatoon Community Foundation and two hospital foundations to bring his gift to life.
A lifelong supporter of the arts, his desire was to give significant support to several community arts organizations, enabling them to flourish artistically and grow their resources and impact.
In 2020, Bob’s estate gift proved essential for eight organizations which were forced to adapt during the pandemic.
- 25th Street Theatre’s Fringe Festival evolved into a virtual summer festival called This Is Not That.
- Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre continued to develop their Circle of Voices program for youth in the far north.
- Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra invested in equipment to carry out digital performances during the pandemic, reaching audiences as far away as Australia.
- Saskatoon Summer Players produced a well-attended virtual Addams Family musical at Halloween.
- The fundraising campaigns for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, SUM Theatre, and Broadway Theatre were infused with success, and they were able to leverage additional charitable giving.
- Persephone Theatre received much-needed operational funding at a time of transition.
For information on legacy giving, visit saskatooncommunityfoundation.ca/giving.
Keeping the light on: Anita Smith, Executive Director, 25th Street Theatre, pictured on stage at Persephone Theatre with the empty house and the constant light of the theatre’s “ghost light” behind her. Photo by Dave Stobbe.
Bob Steane photo courtesy of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
