Manitoba Government Modernizes Funding Model for Arts

Manitoba Post StaffNews

WINNIPEG – The Manitoba Government said the most extensive review of Manitoba’s cultural policy in nearly three decades has been completed. The results have lead the province to broaden the mandate of the Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) by creating a single window for access to all provincial arts funding, Minister Cathy Cox said in a release.

“We are excited to modernize our funding model and to ensure our continued support for the arts community,” Cox said. “This is a straightforward, single-window approach to arts funding in Manitoba. We are working to maximize the many economic and social benefits of our vibrant arts and culture sector.”

Nearly 200 community arts organizations will benefit from this change, which will increase the Manitoba Arts Council budget to $12.7 million from $9.7 million beginning in 2020-21. The move is expected to reduce the administrative burden, streamline funding and allow programs to be more responsive to current arts practices across the province, the minister said, adding the goal is to improve service for all of the arts.

“We are honoured to work with the Manitoba government to improve the delivery of essential arts funding across the province,” said Roberta Christianson, chair, Manitoba Arts Council. “This will support a more holistic understanding of the arts in Manitoba and ensure that arts funding is aligned with the needs and practices of our vital arts community.”

The province will continue to support non-arts focused cultural activities including cultural industries, cultural tourism, cultural facilities, non-arts festivals and ethno-cultural programming.

For more information, click here.