A Manitoba arts organization that awards grants to homegrown talent will get more funding, the province says.
The Manitoba Arts Council, an arm’s-length provincial agency, will receive $13.7 million this year, which amounts to an extra $1 million or an eight per cent increase in annual funding, Premier Wab Kinew announced at a news conference Friday.
Part of the hope behind the new money is to keep young people in Manitoba, he said.
“I have to think that part of the offer that we’re making to our kids and grandkids is not only is there going to be a great future for you when it comes to jobs and the economy, but there’s also going to be that exciting creative scene that brings a life in this province,” Kinew said.
The arts council disburses about $8.4 million in operating support to just over 100 organizations, and $3.5 million in project grants to organizations such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the province said in a news release.
Katarina Kupca, board chair of the Manitoba Arts Council, says the new money is an “incredible show of support” for arts and culture, and the value that they bring to Manitoba.
“It has been 20 years since MAC received an increase,” she said at the news conference.
“Arts and culture is an economic powerhouse. It accounts for more than 22,000 jobs and almost three per cent of Manitoba’s GDP.”
Smaller arts organizations and 550 individuals also receive grants from the council, and in 2024, over 25 new organizations and 40 new projects by individual artists will receive support, the province said.
The Manitoba Centennial Centre Corp. is also getting a $500,000 funding boost, raising their funding to $3 million.
Manitoba artists help define the province’s identity, Kinew said.
“This is an investment that is for the arts community. This is an investment for the broader community as well.”
Culture Minister Glen Simard says giving students the opportunity to create, sing, move and draw leads to better grades: “Arts isn’t a throwaway subject in school any longer.”
A person in the crowd asked what the funding means for the Manitoba Book Awards, which was shuttered earlier this year due to financial woes.
“We’re going to continue to work with our partners with the Manitoba Book Awards, and continue to look at avenues to make it successful, and when there’s news to share we’ll share it,” Simard replied.
‘Confusing’ time for the arts
More than $4.5 million in new funding was set aside for the arts, culture and sports sectors in the 2024-25 provincial budget, which was announced in April.
Jason Hooper, executive director of the West End Cultural Centre, says any operational support is “most welcome.”
“Operating funding has not kept up with inflation over the years,” he told CBC News on Friday before the announcement.
The centre has faced some deficits coming out of the pandemic, but Hooper says they were “planned and expected” as people were initially wary to be in crowds after pandemic restrictions were lifted.
“We’re seeing ticket sales return to where they were pre-pandemic, and bar sales, so it feels a little bit like a corner’s been turned and we’re moving on,” he said.
But he says people’s behaviour has changed, with attendees more likely to leave earlier and drink less.
“It’s a confusing time. What’s trending and what isn’t? It seems to change quite quickly.”