The Manitoba Arts Council is an arm’s-length agency of the Province of Manitoba, established in 1965 “to promote the study, enjoyment, production and performance of works in the arts.” MAC makes awards to professional arts organizations and individuals in all art forms including theatre, literature, dance, music, painting, sculpture, architecture or the graphic arts, and includes other similar creative or interpretative activity, including arts education. MAC uses a peer assessment process in making awards. Historically, the main criterion used to assess applications is artistic merit.
MAC is funded through Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. MAC reports annually through the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to the Provincial Legislature in its Annual Report , and board operations are audited annually.
Vision
A Manitoba where arts and culture is at the heart of community life.
Purpose
The Manitoba Arts Council funds the creation and sharing of arts and culture for the benefit of all Manitobans.
Values
Equity
MAC strives for funding, programs, and policies that are equitable for all. We recognize that some groups face barriers and that achieving equity for these groups may require targeted measures.
Diversity
MAC embraces the differences of all Manitobans and seeks to have this diversity represented in the work we support.
Creativity
MAC values the original expression of ideas in our work and in the work we fund.
Collaboration
MAC seeks to develop partnerships to make efficient use of our resources, achieve common goals, and maximize our impact. We value a collaborative approach in the work of MAC funding recipients.
Accountability
MAC actively listens to stakeholders and makes our decisions on behalf of the citizens of Manitoba.
Mandate
The aims and objects of the Council are to promote the study, enjoyment, production, and performance of works in the arts; and for that purpose the council may:
- make grants to, assist, co-operate with, and enlist the aid of, organizations whose objects are similar to the objects of the council, and co-operate with the Canada Council;
- provide through appropriate organizations or otherwise for grants, scholarships, or loans, to citizens of Manitoba for study or research in the arts; and
- make awards to citizens of Manitoba for outstanding accomplishments in the arts.
Land Acknowledgment
The Manitoba Arts Council carries out its work on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Nations, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge that northern Manitoba includes ancestral lands of the Inuit.
Our office is located on Treaty One territory, but our work extends throughout Treaties Two, Three, Four, and Five. We respect the Treaties made on these territories and remain committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.
We recognize that Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge of and relationship with the land, water, and air is key to a sustainable future for all.
At the Manitoba Arts Council we respect the distinct worldview and creative culture of Indigenous communities by prioritizing Indigenous artistic and cultural expression through our granting programs and initiatives.
