Manitoba Arts Council will receive an additional $1 million in funding this year

A Manitoba arts organization that awards grants to homegrown talent will receive more funding, the province says.

The Manitoba Arts Council, a provincial arms-length agency, will receive $13.7 million this year, representing an additional $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 make to our children and grandchildren is not only that there will be a great future for you in terms of jobs and the economy, but that there will also be an exciting future. creative scene that brings life to this province,” said Kinew.

The arts council will pay 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 Theater Centre, the province said in a news release.

Smaller arts organizations and 550 individuals also receive subsidies from the municipality, and in 2024 more than 25 new organizations and 40 new projects by individual artists will receive support, the province said.

The Manitoba Centennial Center Corp. will also receive a $500,000 funding boost, increasing their funding to $3 million.

Manitoba artists are helping define the province’s identity, Kinew said.

“This is an investment for the arts community. This is also an investment for the broader community.”