Province Releases Our Way Forward: Manitoba’s Culture Policy and Action Plan

March 12, 2019

First New Culture and Creative Framework in a Generation: Cox

Following the first review of Manitoba’s cultural policy in nearly three decades, the province has released an action plan that will guide the decision-making process for Manitoba’s cultural and creative industries, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.

“Our government is looking forward to working with cultural organizations, and continuing the work of creating a dynamic, flourishing sector,” Cox said.  “We also want to thank the many individuals and organizations that took the time to share their thoughts and comments so we can find new, innovative and effective ways of maintaining our vibrant cultural community in this province.”

Consultations, which began in 2017, included round table discussions across the province with more than 200 cultural stakeholders, business leaders and other organizations.  To ensure the process was accessible and inclusive, a teleconference was held to hear from remote northern regions, meetings were held with Indigenous participants and some meetings were conducted in French.  In addition to the roundtable discussion, Manitobans provided their feedback through both online and direct submission.  Discussions focused on ensuring the ongoing development and sustainability the arts, heritage, archives and cultural industries.

“This framework is great news, as it wholeheartedly embraces the arts and culture sector and weaves it through the fabric of the entire government, just as we are embedded in the fabric of Manitoba,” said Roberta Christianson, chair, Manitoba Arts Council.  “We are grateful to the government for the opportunity to share our stories, and look forward to working together to keep our cultural community alive and thriving for generations to come.”

Manitobans made it clear that culture is important to them, and they wanted affordable, high quality, accessible cultural infrastructure province-wide.  Manitobans are looking for new opportunities to promote our culture as a tourism attraction and to find new partnerships for investment.  There was a call for supporting education and training, as well as helping the sector develop new markets and make the most of emerging technology.

The minister noted investing in culture will continue to be done strategically, and efforts are being made to streamline provincial funding programs, find new partnerships with other funding sources and reduce the administrative burden on the sector.  Our Way Forward: Manitoba’s Culture Policy and Action Plan identifies a number of initiatives in five priority areas which include:
•    fostering economic development;
•    understanding and promoting the value of culture and creativity;
•    ensuring diversity, inclusion and accessibility;
•    supporting culture in communities and everyday life; and
•    modernizing cultural funding programs.

“As the culture and creative industry continues to grow and evolve, we are moving to modernize and simplify cultural funding programs,” Cox said.  “We are in the midst of a major review of government regulations and requirements to reduce red tape and a government-wide review aimed at streamlining and simplifying the grants application process.”

To view Our Way Forward:  Manitoba’s Culture Policy and Action Plan, visit:
https://manitoba.ca/cultureplan/index.html.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications Services Manitoba: 204-945-3765.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-945-4916.

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