Winnipeg funding arts organizations to help boost downtown core

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham announces $2 million in arts funding to city organizations on Jan. 15, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett)

The City of Winnipeg is providing $2 million in funding to four longstanding arts organizations as a way to strengthen the city’s downtown core.

On Wednesday, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced the following proposed recipients of the Downtown Arts Capital Fund (DACF):

• Royal Winnipeg Ballet will receive $837,500 for the campus modernization and expansion plan.
• Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Performing Arts Consortium of Winnipeg will receive $837,500 for the Pantages Playhouse Theatre Capital Renovation Project.
• Manitoba Opera is getting $25,000 to upgrade its computer systems and ticketing technology.
• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre will receive $300,000 for the Community Safety Accessibility Project.

“The Downtown Arts Capital Fund was created with a clear purpose and that is to support and to strengthen our major downtown arts organizations,” the mayor said.

“These institutions have been at the heart of Winnipeg for over 40 years. They contribute to and establish Winnipeg’s cultural identity. Not only do they entertain, but they drive economic activity within our city as well.”

The DACF, which was introduced in Winnipeg’s 2024-2027 multi-year budget, provides $500,000 annually to capital projects at Winnipeg’s downtown arts organizations.

The fund was created as a way to assist organizations with more than 40 years of experience in the downtown area.

“This investment in our arts organizations is an investment in the future of downtown Winnipeg, and it’s an investment in the culture of Winnipeg,” Gillingham said.

All grants are subject to approval by city council.