The Manitoba government has made a significant investment of $50 million in arts, culture, and sport to strengthen communities across the province. Premier Heather Stefanson and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan announced that this funding, sourced from the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund, will support 54 community projects aimed at increasing access to high-quality arts, culture, and sport programming and facilities.
By investing in the spaces that Manitobans and their families use and enjoy, the government aims to build stronger communities. Premier Heather Stefanson expressed her belief that this historic investment will have a lasting impact, benefiting generations to come. She emphasized the positive contribution this funding will make to the health and well-being of communities, solidifying Manitoba as a prosperous place to live.
The Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund plays a vital role in supporting the development and renewal of spaces and facilities necessary for arts, culture, and amateur sport programming. It gives Manitobans greater opportunities to access quality programming in their own communities. These spaces act as gathering places for families, fostering the building of relationships and the flourishing of communities.
Minister Obby Khan further highlighted the importance of these spaces, emphasizing that the ACSC Fund allows communities to focus on their priorities, knowing that they will make a difference for years to come. He expressed the government’s pride in supporting these initiatives.
Through the Large Capital Grants Program, a total of 42 projects worth $34.6 million have been funded, with notable examples including the Town of Swan River, which received over $3 million to construct a new recreation facility and arena. This program aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and availability of local facilities that support arts, culture, and amateur sport activities and programs.
Mayor Lance Jacobson of the Town of Swan River expressed gratitude for the funding, acknowledging the significance of an ice rink in a Canadian small community. He thanked the local Legacy Committee Inc. for their efforts in securing funding for this important project, underscoring that it would not be possible without partners.
The Small Capital Grants and Special Initiatives Program has funded 344 projects worth $14.7 million. One of the recipients is the Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg Inc., which received $25,000 to enhance its seniors hall by improving functionality, safety, and energy efficiency.
Aida Champagne, project co-ordinator for the Filipino Seniors Group, expressed their immense gratitude for the support, as it enables them to revitalize their community hub, making it more accessible, comfortable, and eco-friendly. She described it as an exciting beginning, with more work to be done to fully transform their gathering space.
The Small Capital Grants and Special Initiatives Program supports a range of initiatives, including organizational development opportunities, training, technology advancements, volunteer and equipment development, and opportunities that increase participation and engagement in arts, culture, or sport programming. CurlManitoba is one of the recipients, receiving $25,000 to develop a skills-focused youth advanced curling program.
Jill Officer, high-performance manager at CurlManitoba, expressed her gratitude for the grant, highlighting how it will support the skill development of 24 athletes through the new Youth Advanced Program. She emphasized the significance of proper training both on and off the ice, with qualified coaches and the use of technology to enhance various skills needed for curling. This opportunity will pave the way for these athletes to progress to the CurlManitoba Youth High-Performance Program.
Overall, a total of 545 projects worth $50 million have been awarded funding through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund. These projects celebrate community, creativity, and innovation in local arts, culture, and sports. Since its launch in July 2022, the ACSC Fund has provided support to 942 projects.
For more information on the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund and to view the full list of projects receiving support, visit the website www.manitoba.ca/acsc. This investment signifies the government’s commitment to fostering the development of arts, culture, and sports, ultimately leading to stronger and more vibrant communities in Manitoba.
