Creative Manitobans push for arts investment at legislature

Some of Manitoba's most creative people are hoping to catch the eyes and ears of provincial politicos Thursday as part of Arts and Culture Day at the legislature.

From workers with the Winnipeg Folk Festival to artists and thespians in the gallery, theatre and dance scenes, representatives from many arts organizations are meeting with all three political parties to push one message: the arts and cultural industry is larger than the mining, oil, gas or electric sectors in Manitoba.

"The tendency has always been to think of the arts as something extra, a frivolous extra, and we're saying we're way more than that," said Roberta Christianson, chair of Manitobans for the Arts. "[The province] needs to understand that."

The arts generate about $1.7 billion in economic spinoffs for the province and employ thousands of people, Christianson said.

Manitoba Culture Minister Rochelle Squires acknowledged the arts are a powerful economic driver in the province.

"Its growth continues to outpace the economy as a whole," she said, adding the culture sector is responsible for creating about 22,000 jobs and generates new business opportunities across the province.

"A thriving arts and cultural scene is integral to our community life and we in Manitoba are fortunate to have such a rich and vibrant cultural scene."

Tom Lindsey, NDP member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for Flin Flon,  said investment in the arts is especially important in smaller communities.

"To make sure arts and culture continue to thrive in this province, we have to continue to provide them the support they need," he said.

"Libraries aren't just a place to take out books; they're gathering place for artists and writers. Museums don't just hold artifacts; they hold a collective memory of our communities."

Christianson said most people may not think of themselves as contributors to the arts, but virtually everyone is involved in some way, she said.

"A lot of people are involved in the arts and don't know they're involved in the arts. We have this narrow view when you say 'the arts' to people because they think, 'Well, I don't go to the symphony or I don't go to [the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre],'" she said. 

"But then you say to them, 'Are you in a garage band?' They say, 'Well, yeah.' 'Do your kids take dance lessons?' 'Oh, yeah!' 'Do you collect paintings ... do you play video games?' On and on and you start to peel it away and they go, 'Oh my goodness! It's everywhere!'"

Christianson said the group isn't lobbying for specific funding increases, but she noted the Manitoba Arts Council, which is the main funding body for the province, hasn't had an increase in financial support in a decade.

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Before drafting the next provincial budget, Christianson said she hopes government officials understand that investing in the arts is good for everyone.

"It's good for the province's economy; it's good for the province's well-being," she said.