As part of Budget 2022, Recover Together: Strengthen, Invest, Build, the Manitoba government is committing $100 million over three years to create the new Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund, Premier Heather Stefanson and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Andrew Smith announced today.

“We recognize the significant and positive contributions that Manitoba’s arts, culture and sport sectors make to the health and well-being of our people and communities, while supporting our economy and creating jobs,” said Stefanson. “As part of Budget 2022, this historic $100-million investment will help inspire Manitobans and foster creativity and innovation in local arts, culture and sports initiatives, while ensuring Manitobans have access to high-quality programming and facilities in their community for generations to come.”

The Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund will provide grants to support the arts, culture including heritage and ethnocultural organizations and amateur sport sectors, the premier noted.

“Rising costs are affecting all Manitobans,” said Stefanson. “This fund will help organizations continue to provide affordable sport, culture and heritage opportunities across the province.”

This year, the fund will flow up to $34 million to community organizations to build capacity within these sectors to better meet the needs of Manitobans and provide increased access to community infrastructure, programs and services, the premier added.

“At the heart of our communities are diverse networks of art, culture and sport organizations that provide Manitobans with opportunities to share and grow together,” said Smith. “Manitoba artists, ethnocultural organizations and athletes create content and deliver activities and engagement opportunities that enhance education, physical wellness and mental well-being. This new fund will help support, promote and celebrate Manitobans by increasing access to a wide variety of spaces and programing including sport facilities, festivals, museums and galleries.”

The ACSC Fund will include three programs, with funding guidelines varying among each of the programs to address different needs and provide support to a broad range of applicant’s eligible projects that will meet one or more of the programs priority areas:

• capital projects – organizations will be able to apply for up to $5 million, on a 50-50 cost-sharing basis, for large projects that support the development and renewal of spaces and facilities used for arts, culture, and sport programming and activities;
• community celebrations – events, festivals and celebrations, both one-time and recurring, that promote cultural exchanges and are rooted in inclusion and belonging can receive full funding up to $5,000; and
• small capital and special initiatives – projects in this stream can receive between 50 and 100 per cent of eligible expenses, depending on the project’s overall cost and will support initiatives such as organizational development opportunities, training, technology, volunteer and equipment development through initiatives that will enhance the organization’s ability to increase participation and engagement in arts, culture or sport programming.