ArtsJunktion has been awarded the Connecting Creative Communities Prize, one of the Manitoba Arts Council’s 2021 Prizes in the Arts.
For the past 11 years, ArtsJunktion has supported Winnipeg’s creative community by providing access to materials, creative space, workshops, and more. The community-based, charitable organization is committed to redistributing donated reusable materials on a take-what-you-need, pay-what-you-can basis.
It also works to reduce landfill waste by receiving materials from businesses, organizations, and individuals for distribution to the public, and to increase environmental awareness through community engagement and programming.
“They provide a safe and inclusive space for all community members, and support their neighbourhood, city, and province through vibrant, reciprocal partnerships,” said Jenel Shaw, Executive Director of Arts Accessibility Network Manitoba.
Some such partnerships include their School Supply drive this past fall, where they distributed over 50kg of pencils, binders, paper, markers, and more through 12 different organizations across the city, and to individuals who came to their depot at 312 William Avenue.
Another drive that is incredibly impactful is their Warmth drive, where they have gathered over 70kg of yarn, wool, knitting and crochet implements and fleece, felt, and wool blankets from the community to distribute to over 60 volunteers who are creating warm winter gear for newcomers, youth, and anyone in need of winter wear.
“The staff and volunteers at ArtsJunktion have and continue to mentor many of my students, teaching them about art, community building, and environmental sustainability,” said Maribeth Tabanera, the Learning Through Internship Coordinator at Maples Met School and Seven Oaks Met School. “This is a mere glimpse of the work they do to engage over 500 community members each month.
“Throughout history, in times of great challenge and uncertainty, people are known to turn to art and creatives to find hope and joy,” said Maribeth.
The Manitoba Arts Council Prizes in the Arts
The Manitoba Arts Council’s Prizes in the Arts celebrate achievements in the arts, honouring the excellence, resourcefulness, and imagination of individuals, groups, and organizations working in Manitoba.
Connecting Creative Communities is a $10,000 prize awarded every other year to an arts group or arts organization in recognition of their exceptional collaboration.
Know someone worth celebrating? This fall, MAC will be accepting nominations for the Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction, recognizing the highest level of artistic excellence and contribution to the development of the arts in Manitoba. Nominate an exceptional artist or arts/cultural professional by December 15, 2021.
