Winnipeg

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Winnipeg Art

Winnipeg’s art scene is in good shape — it’s providing nearly 2,000 jobs and over $1 million in GDP, according to a Winnipeg Arts Council (WAC) report.

Over 85 per cent of Winnipeggers said the arts in the city make everyday life more fun, according to the recent study done by Probe Research.

The study included other favourable numbers: over three-quarters of Winnipeggers said enjoying arts and culture is a good stress reliever and a good tool for reconciliation.

“It was so encouraging and rewarding to see how general Winnipeggers value the work we do,” said Tamara Rae Biebrich, WAC senior project manager of public arts.

The study’s results also showed room for improvement.

Seventy-seven per cent of Winnipeggers said the city needs more public art. Local artist Zephyra Vun said the issue is Winnipeggers’ unawareness of year-round public art.

“A lot of Winnipeggers don’t even realize that such a vibrant artistic community exists,” said Vun.

Vun used Nuit Blanche as an example of Winnipeggers narrowing their focus to specific days.

“I love Nuit Blanche, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just such a change in the amount of people that you see in the everyday and the amount of people that flock to that area in one night.”
Keilen acts as Leonardo da Vinci in his school play, Nick of Time, on March 11./GABRIELLE PICHÉ
It’s not just a Winnipeg issue, according to rural Manitoban school teachers.

Kerri Gaminek, a teacher at Oak Bluff Community School, said she’s noticed troubles in schools outside the city finding arts teachers.

“If you don’t have a classroom teacher who can also teach music, you often don’t have a music program at all,” said Gaminek.

Videos

Bringing Arts to Life in Rural Manitoban Schools
Rural Manitoban schools have difficulty finding arts teachers but Manitobans see the importance of the arts in childhood development.
Culture to the Core Report with Tamara Rae Biebrich
Winnipeg Arts Council (WAC) senior project manager of public art Tamara Rae Biebrich discusses the WAC's Culture to the Core study and its findings on what Winnipeggers think about art in the city.
Public Art in Winnipeg
Manitoban artists Zephyra Vun and Annie Bergen give their thoughts on public art in Winnipeg after a recent study found 77 per cent of Winnippegers said the city needs more art.
Fashion Illustrated
Fashion Illustrated is an event put on by the Costume Museum of Canada. It's an opportunity for people to come draw, paint or make a collage of fashion.
Art Used as a Way to Heal
Stephanie Jo has anxiety and depression and uses her art as a way to heal.
Create Art and Lower Stress
An Art Therapy study showed that creating art can reduce stress. First Fridays in Winnipeg recently offered a drawing workshop for anyone to attend for a relaxing evening.