As part of Budget 2023, more than 400 community arts, culture and sports projects will receive $50 million in funding from the Manitoba government to immediately begin making improvements to build stronger communities across the province.

“Our government recognizes the critical role Manitoba’s community facilities play in the development of our children and youth, while also supporting the growth of our communities and economy,” said Premier Heather Stefanson. “We know that stronger communities start with a foundation of local arts, culture and sporting initiatives that foster a sense of belonging today and for generations to come. Our government is proud to provide this historic investment to support shovel-ready community-led projects that will have a positive and lasting impact on communities all across the province.”

The Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) fund is supporting a wide range of projects from over $5 million for Market Lands Inc. for a creative hub, $4.2 million for Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata for a food and language community hub and $1 million for Dakota Community Centre to refurbish its ice plant, to $24,000 for the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba to document the history of Afro-Caribbean peoples in the province and $7,500 for upgrades to the Scandinavian Centre’s lighting system.

“With this generous provincial support Winnipeg’s Exchange District will continue to flourish as a centre for community arts,” said Angela Mathieson, CEO, CentreVenture Development Corporation. “The Market Lands Creative Hub will be a new exciting destination for professional creators in Manitoba to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their talents to the world.”

A total of 402 projects that foster community, creativity and innovation in local arts, culture and sports initiatives were awarded funds through an application process last year, the premier said, noting that more support is coming through a second round of applications.

“Arts, culture and amateur sport organizations are at the heart of our communities and play a significant role in the health, wellness, social cohesion and social inclusion of Manitobans,” said Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan. “This first round of significant investments will make Manitoba communities vibrant and prosperous places to live by celebrating our culture, our heritage and the well-being of Manitobans.”

The premier noted that due to the program’s popularity, Budget 2023 has added $16 million to the fund to provide a total of $50 million to qualified second-round applicants. Project categories and application deadlines include:

  • Large Capital Projects that grant up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses over $300,000 to $5 million for projects that improve the quality, accessibility and availability of local facilities that support arts, culture and amateur sport activities and programs. Applications are due April 24.
  • Small Capital Projects and Special Initiatives that award between 50 and 100 per cent of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $300,000, for projects that support the development and renewal of local facilities and programs that support arts, culture and sport programming and activities. Applications are due April 17.
  • Community Celebrations that award up to $5,000 for events that bring Manitobans together to celebrate their unique culture and, heritage, and/or community. Applications are due June 15.

Khan noted 23 projects worth $37.8 million were funded through the large capital grant program including the South Winnipeg YMCA-YWCA which received nearly $1.6 million to enhance accessibility and community outreach. The minister noted that funding these kinds of projects maintains the quality of current facilities and improves access to high-quality, modern facilities in local communities to foster excellence and preserve, share and celebrate heritage and culture.

The ACSC fund’s small capital grants and special initiatives program was the most accessed funding stream with 253 projects receiving $11.6 million to strengthen arts, culture and amateur sport organizations by enhancing engagement diverse populations and contributing to vibrant, healthy communities. This included projects like Deer Lodge Curling Club that received $25,000 to replace its furnace, while Lac du Bonnet Historical Society received $9,675 to repair its foundation, and Brandon Friendship Centre received $25,000 to create a cultural and wellness space.

“We are extremely grateful to the Manitoba government and are excited to hear that we will be receiving funds to help establish our ’60s Scoop Healing program space,” said Gail Cullen, executive director, Brandon Friendship Centre. “This will allow us to set up the space at 24-6th Street to help Indigenous clients who were taken from their homes, heal from their trauma through culture, language and arts.”

Two intakes for the Community Celebrations program have already invested $583,000 to support 126 community events across the province including winter and seasonal celebrations, feasts, fairs and festivals, and cultural concerts and performances, added Khan.