The Manitoba government is investing $6 million for the creation of new Arts and Culture Sustainability Funds to provide financial support for Manitoba’s art and culture sector, which has been significantly impacted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Brain Pallister announced March 26.
“We recognize the significant sacrifices all Manitobans have made to follow the public health orders in order to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community from this deadly virus,” said Pallister. “Often described as the ‘first to close, last to open’, Manitoba’s arts and cultural sector has been hit hard by the pandemic. This $6-million investment will support the sustainability of this vital sector and build up its resilience until it can safely reopen and resume the activities that so many Manitobans enjoy and treasure year after year.”
The new Arts and Culture Sustainability Funds will be administered by the Manitoba Arts Council and Manitoba Film and Music.
“This funding is very welcome news for the arts and cultural sector,” said Randy Joynt, executive director, Manitoba Arts Council. “The importance of arts and culture has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic yet the arts and cultural sector has been devastated by the profound disruption in its core work – bringing people together. We thank the government for this critical support towards the sector’s recovery.”
Arts and heritage organizations such as museums, galleries, festivals, cultural facilities, community arts, publishing, artists and musical groups will be eligible for financial support, even if they have qualified for previous provincial or federal programming, the premier noted.
“Manitoba has an incredible, vibrant music industry which has been, and continues to be, heavily impacted by the global pandemic,” said Rachel Rusen, CEO and Film Commissioner, Manitoba Film and Music. “We are thrilled the government of Manitoba recognizes the cultural and economic importance of this industry. With these funds, Manitoba Film and Music will be able to further support and expand this impressive key sector, capitalizing not only on the talent of recording artists, but also music producers, studios and others.”
Additional eligibility criteria, program and application details will be available through the Manitoba Arts Council and Manitoba Film and Music shortly.
Today’s announcement builds off the government’s recent commitment to provide $8 million to support the tourism and hospitality sector, which has also been significantly impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions and gathering limits, the premier noted. To date, the province has committed over $490 million in business support programs to help Manitoba’s business community through these uncertain times and position them for recovery.
For more information about COVID-10 supports for businesses visit:
https://manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness.
