Free, family-friendly events celebrating arts and heritage will be held throughout Manitoba this weekend. This announcement was made by Culture, Tourism, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux.
“Manitoba’s creative communities continue to distinguish our province as a national leader in the Culture Days movement,” said Minister Lemieux. “For the past three years, Winnipeg has ranked first across Canada as host with the highest number of activities on offer. Flin Flon has ranked in the top 10 for the past three year and Gimli also ranked in the top 10 last year.
“This year, Manitoban cultural organizations and individuals have planned more than 340 free and accessible events in more than 30 communities, from Altona to Churchill and everywhere in between with something for everyone wherever you are.”
Culture Days is a collaborative national event that began in 2009 to promote free cultural events that celebrate the special place that arts and culture occupies in people’s lives, encourage audience participation, and broaden community engagement in discovering and exploring arts and culture. Culture Days also raises awareness that culture truly is everywhere, Minister Lemieux said.
In addition to providing $50,000 to Culture Days Manitoba and Nuit Blanche this year to support the co-ordination of so many free activities, the province also funds more than a dozen community arts and heritage grant programs. These programs distribute more than $4.5 million annually to almost 400 groups, helping keep arts and culture affordable and accessible for all Manitobans, the minister noted.
From community festivals and museums to powwows, live performances and arts classes, these programs reach across the province and ensure that all Manitobans enjoy ample opportunities to discover and explore culture, the minister said.
“I hope all Manitobans will take advantage of Culture Days Manitoba and Nuit Blanche to experience our extraordinary arts and culture community and recognize the value it brings to our everyday lives,” said Minister Lemieux. “Congratulations to the many volunteers and organizations. Their hard work and dedication beautifully illustrates that Manitoba is where Canada’s Heart Beats.”
For more information and a complete list of Manitoba events, go to mb.culturedays.ca.
