Due to several factors, Saskatchewan in the 1950s was uniquely situated to overcome any remaining isolation from the national and international arts communities: the new Saskatchewan Arts Board, the appointment by the University of several nationally recognized professional artists, the presence of the Saskatoon Art Centre (later the Mendel Art Gallery), and the founding of the Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery.

Key to the renaissance that took place in Saskatchewan art at this time were the Emma Lake Professional Workshops run by the Regina Arts College of the University of Saskatchewan from 1955 to 1973. Taught by instructors from across Canada and New York, the workshops gained an international reputation and greatly influenced many Saskatchewan painters, sculptors and photographers by putting them in contact with national and international movements in modern art.

A survey of the records generated by art galleries and artists since the 1960s reveals that the visual arts continued to thrive in Saskatchewan. Special efforts were made to recognize folk, aboriginal, and female artists. In keeping with national trends, additional artist-run centres and co-operatives were founded to support the efforts of local artists and to promote the development of photography, sculpture, multi-media, performance and inter-disciplinary work.