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Franco-Manitoban Policy

Approved by Council June 26, 2007

Preamble

The Manitoba Arts Council Recognizes:

  • French as an official language of Canada
  • That Franco-Manitoban heritage has significantly shaped this province, and is a fundamental force in its present identity
  • That the French language and Franco-Manitoban arts and culture exist in a minority context in Manitoba
  • That Franco-Manitoban arts and culture should be supported and celebrated by the province of Manitoba
  • That Franco-Manitoban arts and culture are an important manifestation of our linguistic duality in Manitoba and in Canada
  • That the Franco-Manitoban arts are a unique, valued, and fundamental part of Manitoba’s arts sector
  • That the francophone reality in Manitoba reflects the fusing of a Franco-Manitoban identity with francophone cultures across the country and with la francophonie from around the world.

Definition

For the purposes of determining eligibility for MAC’s programs and services, a “Franco-Manitoban artist” is defined as a Manitoba resident artist who accesses MAC services in French and/or creates artistic work that includes a significant French-language component.

Policy Approaches

  1. French language services
    Provincial legislation requires that the francophone community in Manitoba and the institutions serving this community have access to comparable government services in French.
  2. Cultural Significance of Franco-Manitobans
    Franco-Manitoban arts and culture are recognized as a significant and fundamental part of Manitoban identity. Existing in a minority context in Manitoba, Franco-Manitoban arts and culture are to be promoted, preserved, and celebrated.

Policy Statement

The Manitoba Arts Council regards Franco-Manitobans as a fundamental presence in the province’s linguistic, cultural, and artistic identity.

The Council will:

  1. Ensure that Franco-Manitoban artists have access to council information, programs, and services in French.
  2. Develop, maintain, and measure the success of targeted strategies for promoting and nurturing the Franco-Manitoban arts and arts community, recognizing that they exist in an environment of linguistic and cultural minority.