Growing and developing the arts in Nova Scotia

Strategic Arts Management, or SAM, offers mentoring, management, administrative support, and other resources to artists and arts organizations at affordable, subsidized rates.

Our Services

Message from our Chair

Strategic Arts Management (SAM) wishes to apologize to our Arts’ Community; particularly to our valued Clients, and expert Consultants.
We, the SAM Board, acknowledge that we have been slow to discover,
to understand, and then to address the deficiencies in our organization which have built up over the last few years.

When a long-standing organization, supported by its founding members, runs into difficulties, it is not easy to see the underlying cavern in the potholes which are addressed one at a time. Frankly, it has taken the SAM staff and board months to achieve stabilization and achieve full awareness of the damage done during this period.

We wish to acknowledge the recent past, and advise of our commitment to accountability, to accessibility, and to relevant, expert, support as we move forward. Stronger, more open, and determined to live our core values and deliver on our mission.

We hope you will stay tuned as we update our website with:

  • Our mission and value statement.
  • A FEEDBACK mechanism which reports through to the SAM Board. 
  • Our commitment to Board Governance and to Accountability.
  • Further updates and publications as we finalize our commitment statements and support offerings.

We believe there remains a need for SAM’s subsidized business support, for advocacy, and for other areas of expertise. We are seeing the strain on our strategic plans which need to be more flexible as our funding streams face challenges. 

We exist to be helpful and are working to restore your faith.

We appreciate the support we have received in the past and hope we can redeem it for the future. As we appreciate the support of SAM’s founding members in this time of upheaval.

As we progress, please reach out with any concerns, suggestions or support.

Sincerely,

Karen Waterfield, Interim Chair
chair@strategicarts.org
Strategic Arts Managemen

Blue speech bubble graphic on a black background with large white text reading “Join our board!” and smaller yellow text reading “Together, let’s ensure the long-term health of the arts in our communities.”

Strategic Arts Management is looking for new Board members!

Guided by our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, SAM is entering a new phase of renewal and growth, supporting Nova Scotian artists and arts organizations with administration, operations, mentorship, education, and strategic guidance. SAM is seeking creative, energetic, and dedicated people from across the arts and culture sector who care about governance, community engagement, equity, and long-term resilience for local artists. Board members meet once per month, with no meetings in July or August.

Interested in helping shape the next chapter of Nova Scotia’s arts sector? Please reach out! director@strategicarts.org | 902.407.8885 | Click for More Details

What our clients are saying

“SAM is a lifeline offered to artists. Having access to people with the knowledge base we don’t already have is essential for our growth and sustainability. They have helped us understand our own organization better and introduced systems that made our path forward seem possible.”
SAM Client
The SAM programing has helped me throughout the past for me to access grants. I am a Mi’kmaw designer and I have been able to connect with Erin Donavan as well and she has helped tremendously to get funding for Truth and Reconciliation days with Musique Royale. I have also, requested her support for a grant to make special story gowns and plan to take them to NY Fashion Week!! Id love for her to be compensated properly for all her hard work. I appreciate the review of this request for her help! I need help to get a grant to fund the travel and accommodations.”
Michelle Roy Two Feathers Mi'kmaq Designs
“I feel so lucky that SAM exists in our province. The range of services is incredible, and the quality and experience of the consultants are second to none! Musicians and artists alike should be utilizing everything SAM has to offer.”
SAM Client
“Working with SAM has been transformative. They helped us navigate a complex strategic planning process with confidence and clarity, ensuring our organization didn't just survive, but thrived.”
SAM Client
“Upstream was greatly assisted by the involvement of SAM in helping us prepare our five-year plan. This comprehensive document has proved to be a guiding light in our development over the past number of years. It helps us focus on maintaining our core values and delivering our programming.”
Tom DonovanPast Chair of Upstream Music

Mentorship and Support

Achieve your goals sooner through services and mentorship in areas including grant applications, projects, fundraising, brand and website development, and more.

Strategic and Financial Planning

Set long-term goals, build communications strategies and develop career and financial management goals.

Administration, Bookkeeping, and Special Services

Work directly with consultants in this fee-for-service option.

Workshops and Professional Development

Learn from a number of subject experts to develop and grow your career or organization.

Operational Recommendations

Optimize your organization’s operations and learn recommendations for growth and development.

Networking Opportunities

Meet with other artists, organizations and supporters in Nova Scotia’s arts community.

We are grateful for the support from our funders and partners:

Logos of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Craig Foundation.
Logos of Theatre Nova Scotia labeled as “Our Events Partner” and Lyle Tilley Davidson Chartered Accountants labeled as “Our Funding Calendar Partner.”