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 vibrant Manitoba where arts and culture are embraced by everyone, fueling creativity, connection, and provincewide prosperity.
Purpose
MAC invests so that all Manitobans benefit from arts and culture.
Values
Equity
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.
Collaboration
Partnerships to make efficient use of resources, achieve common goals, and maximize impact. We value a collaborative approach in our work and the work of funding recipients.
Diversity
The diversity of Manitobans to be represented in work we support, within our organization, and through our partnerships.
Accountability
Transparent decision-making on behalf of the citizens of Manitoba, informed by actively hearing stakeholders.
Creativity
Supporting the original expression of ideas in our work and through our investments.
Stewardship
Maximizing benefit for citizens through our investment in arts and culture.
Pillars
The pillars describe the core areas of work through which MAC fulfills its purpose. They are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
Cultivate and celebrate artists
Supporting artists at every stage of their careers through funding, development, and recognition opportunities.
Strengthen the arts and culture ecosystem
Supporting organizations, partnerships, and sector development that elevate Manitoba’s arts and cultural life.
Amplify the value of arts and culture
Championing the value of arts and culture in shaping communities, fostering cultural expression, and strengthening Manitoba’s economy and identity.
Land Acknowledgment
The Manitoba Arts Council carries out its work on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk 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.
