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SASKATOON — Saskatoon philanthropist and entrepreneur Ellen Remai has been named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres), in recognition of her extraordinary support of the arts.

The honour was presented on June 18 by French Ambassador to Canada Michel Miraillet during a ceremony held in the Collection Galleries at Remai Modern.

“Mrs. Remai’s contribution as a supporter of art and culture is unique across Canada and has been essential in enabling great collaborations between Remai Modern and French artists. That’s why we wanted to recognize her generosity,” said Mr. Miraillet.

Remai is the first person in Saskatchewan to receive the award, according to Remai Modern media release.

The Order of Arts and Letters, one of four ministerial orders issued by France, was established in 1957. It is “intended to reward people who have distinguished themselves through their creations in the artistic or literary field or through the contribution they have made to the influence of Arts and Letters in France and throughout the world.”

The award acknowledges Remai’s commitment to the arts, her support of French artists—including recent exhibitions by Céline Condorelli and Laure Prouvost—and her contributions to artistic collaborations with France. It also recognizes her donation of the world’s most comprehensive collection of Pablo Picasso linocuts, a significant cultural contribution tied to the artist’s legacy in France.

“This recognition reaffirms what we at Remai Modern—and organizations throughout Saskatoon—have long attested to: Ellen Remai is one-of-a-kind,” said Aileen Burns and Johan Lundh, co-executive directors and CEOs of Remai Modern. “Her generosity in support of the arts and education has made a profound difference in our community, allowing citizens and visitors extraordinary opportunities to experience culture in the city she calls home.

“Her legacy is firmly established not only in Saskatoon but as one of the most important patrons of the arts in Canada’s history. Her impact is felt deeply, and her vision will continue to benefit our community for many decades to come.”

Previous Canadian recipients of the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters include filmmaker and actor Xavier Dolan, actress Anne Dorval, director David Cronenberg, author Margaret Atwood, and singer Céline Dion.

Saskatoon entrepreneur and philanthropist Remai is Remai Modern’s lead patron and co-founder of the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation, which she established with her late husband. Her first gift to the museum came before construction began at its River Landing site, and before the facility was named in her honour following a unanimous vote by Saskatoon city council.

Her $31-million pledge included $16 million toward construction and $15 million—$500,000 a year for 30 years—to support international exhibitions.

In 2012, the foundation also donated 405 linocuts by Picasso to Remai Modern. Prior to the museum’s 2017 opening, Remai announced two more major gifts: $1 million annually for 25 years to support art purchases and a matching donations program of up to $1 million per year over the same time period.

In 2022, she made a $10-million commitment to support by-donation admission for the next 20 years. The move more than doubled visitation to the museum over the previous year, surpassing the benchmark set in 2019. Attendance records continued to be broken in 2023 and 2024.

“We have a gem in our city, we should all wear that with a lot of pride. I know that I am extremely proud,” said Remai. “My gift — by-donation admission to the museum — reaffirms my relationship and my long-term commitment to Remai Modern.”

Remai Modern, located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis, is western Canada’s largest contemporary art museum. The institution houses more than 8,000 works, including the foremost collection of Picasso linocut prints.

The museum acknowledges the support of the Frank & Ellen Remai Foundation, the Canada Council for the Arts, SaskCulture through the Sask Lotteries Fund, SK Arts and the City of Saskatoon.