Culture and sports projects to receive $50 million in provincial funding

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

“Our government recognizes the critical role that Manitoba’s local communities play in the development of our children and youth while 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 sports 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 across the province.”

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

“With this generous provincial support, the Winnipeg Exchange District will continue to thrive as a center for community arts,” said Angela Mathieson, CEO of 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 promote community, creativity and innovation in local arts, culture and sports initiatives were awarded funding 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 sports organizations are at the heart of our communities and play important roles in the health, well-being, social cohesion and inclusion of Manitobans,” said Secretary of Culture and Heritage Obby Khan. “This first round of significant investments will make Manitoba communities vibrant and prosperous places to live by celebrating our culture, heritage and the well-being of Manitoba people.”

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

• Large-cap projects that grant up to 50 percent of eligible spend over $300,000 to $5 million for projects that improve the quality, accessibility, and availability of local facilities that support arts, culture, and amateur sports activities and programs. Applications are due by the 24th.
• Small capital projects and special initiatives awarding between 50 and 100 percent of eligible expenditures, up to a maximum of $300,000, for projects that support the development and renewal of local facilities and programs that support arts, culture and sports programs and activities. Applications are due by April 17th.
• Community Celebrations, which award up to $5,000 to events that bring Manitobans together to celebrate their unique culture and heritage and/or community. Applications are possible until June 15th.

Khan noted that 23 projects worth $37.8 million were funded through the Big Capital grant program, including the South Winnipeg YMCA-YWCA, which received nearly $1.6 million to improve accessibility and outreach . The Minister noted that funding these types of projects maintains the quality of current facilities and improves access to quality, modern facilities in local communities to promote excellence and preserve, share and celebrate heritage and culture.

The ACSC Fund’s Small Equity Grants and Special Initiatives Program was the most frequently accessed source of funding, with 253 projects receiving $11.6 million to strengthen arts, culture, and amateur sports organizations by encouraging diverse community engagement and contribute to vibrant, healthy communities. These included projects like the Deer Lodge Curling Club, which received $25,000 to replace its oven, while the Lac du Bonnet Historical Society received $9,675 to repair its foundation, and the Brandon Friendship Center received $25,000 to create a cultural and wellness space received.

“We are extremely grateful to the Manitoba government and are pleased to hear that we will be receiving funding to help establish our ’60s Scoop Healing program room,” said Gail Cullen, executive director of the Brandon Friendship Center. “This will allow us to set up the space on 24-6th Street to help Indigenous clients who have been taken from their homes heal their trauma through culture, language and art.”

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