Manitoba’s Cultural Sector Faces Challenges Despite Resilience

Manitoba’s cultural landscape is experiencing both notable achievements and significant challenges, as revealed by a recent report from Hill Strategies Research presented at the annual Manitobans for the Arts summit in October 2023. The report highlights that Manitoba’s cultural sector generates $1,010 worth of cultural goods and services per person, ranking it among the highest in Canada, second only to British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

Despite these impressive figures, the report also indicates a troubling trend: the contribution of Manitoba’s cultural industries to the province’s GDP has declined by 12 percent from 2019 to 2023, making it the second-largest drop among Canadian provinces. This decline is compounded by a staggering 20 percent decrease since 2010, adjusted for inflation.

The reasons for this downturn are complex and multifaceted. The cultural sector has been adversely affected by the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a dramatic drop in live audiences and slow recovery for many organizations. This challenge is particularly pronounced for traditional performing arts groups, including live theatre, dance, and classical music. For instance, Orchestras Canada reported a 25 percent decrease in attendance for Canadian orchestras in the 2023-24 season compared to the 2018-19 season.

In recent years, several prominent cultural institutions in Winnipeg have faced financial difficulties or closure, including Sarasvati Productions in 2023 and Virtuosi Concerts in 2025. The Good Will Social Club, a fixture in the city’s indie music scene, also shut its doors in 2024, citing inflation and a decline in local concert attendance as contributing factors.

Despite these setbacks, some venues continue to thrive. The West End Cultural Centre recently announced a fundraising effort to raise $50,000 to remain operational. On the other hand, the Park Theatre in South Osborne often draws large crowds for its concerts and events, featuring notable Canadian acts such as Julian Taylor and Elliott Brood. Additionally, the Winnipeg Folk Festival consistently breaks attendance records, illustrating a strong community connection to the arts.

Valerie Shantz, executive director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, emphasizes the importance of community, noting that the festival attracts a diverse audience across generations. She acknowledges the ongoing challenge of diversifying attendance but points to the festival’s success in appealing to multiple age groups and backgrounds.

As Manitoba’s artistic community grapples with diminishing government support, the impact of reduced funding is becoming increasingly evident. Government spending on the arts has decreased by 9 percent, adjusted for inflation, from 2008-09 to 2023-24. This decline has left many arts organizations seeking alternative funding sources while struggling to maintain their audiences.

During the October arts summit, attendees expressed concern over the significant drop in cultural production. Kelly Hill, principal of Hill Strategies, acknowledged the difficulty in pinpointing exact causes for the downturn, noting that available data lacks the granularity needed for comprehensive analysis. The attendees identified rising inflation, diminished donations, and cuts to government funding as contributing factors to their struggles.

Amidst these challenges, Manitoba’s cultural sector remains resilient. Many organizations are focused on attracting younger, more diverse audiences by commissioning new works that explore contemporary themes and feature a range of artists. Spencer Duncanson, executive director of the Little Opera Company, highlights the importance of balancing traditional and contemporary programming to engage audiences effectively.

In contrast, some arts leaders are concerned about the misalignment between funding agendas and audience interests. Rodrigo Beilfuss, executive director of Shakespeare in the Ruins, stresses the need for respect for audiences in programming choices. His organization has found success by incorporating diverse talent while remaining true to its core mission.

While the federal government’s recent Budget 2025 offers potential access to a $2.8 billion general infrastructure program, many in the cultural sector argue that operational budgets are essential for sustaining staff and artistic endeavors. As funding from the Canada Council for the Arts continues to decline, questions about the future of Manitoba’s arts scene remain pressing.

Overall, Manitoba’s cultural sector is at a crossroads, balancing the need for innovation and diversity with the realities of reduced funding and changing audience dynamics. As arts administrators work to navigate these challenges, the future of the province’s vibrant cultural landscape hangs in the balance.