COLUMN: Arts & Culture – Southeast Manitoba Festival calls for entries
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The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is thrilled to officially open the call for entries for the 2026 Southeastern Manitoba Festival (SEMF).
This year marks a major milestone as SAC launches the festival under its unified banner following a successful merger. This collaboration was established to ensure the long-term sustainability of the festival, strengthen the regional arts infrastructure, and encourage partnership and community engagement across the Southeast.
SAC and SEMF invite all performers across southeastern Manitoba to submit their entries.
Key information & deadlines:
-Entry Deadline: The firm deadline for all submissions is Dec. 1, 2025.
-How to Enter: All entry forms, addendums, and the syllabus are available here: https://semf.ca/information/
2026 Festival Schedule (All dates are subject to change): Vocal: Feb. 17–19, Dance: Feb.20–22, Strings: Feb. 28 & March 9, Junior Piano: Vocal (Feb. 17–19), Dance (Feb. 21–22), Strings (Feb. 28 & March 9), Junior Piano (March 2–5), Musical Theatre (March 6–7), Choral (March 10–11), and Senior Piano (March 16–20).
SEMF would like to thank its sponsors: Days Inn Steinbach (Accommodation Sponsor), Nature’s Farm (Vocal), Dr Sheila Harms & Warren Trimble (Gala & Junior Piano), RK Electric (Musical Theatre), Steinbach Dental Clinic (Senior Piano)
SAC calls for community participation for the Southeast Open Judged Exhibit
Applications for the annual Southeast Open Judged Exhibit (SOJE) is now open! This celebrated platform encourages artistic expression and invites artists of all ages and all skill levels across the Southeastern Manitoba region to participate.
SOJE accepts various mediums, including acrylic, watercolour, digital art, photography, fibre and textile art, and more! Applications are available for juvenile, adult, and educator submissions in both competitive and non-competitive categories. Applications are open now until Jan. 23, 2026.
To submit your application and learn more, visit SteinbachArts.ca/SOJE.
Christmas Art Sale at SAC
Find the perfect gift for the special people in your life. Discover discounted artwork, magnets, coasters, jewelry, and more from our Buy or Lease Art Program and Gift Shop. Support local artists this holiday season!
Visit the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre at 304 Second St or view our catalogue at SteinbachArts.ca.
Join us for Workshops at SAC!
SAC’s workshops offer engaging, hands-on experiences led by expert instructors, covering diverse artistic techniques and cultural traditions:
Candle Making Workshop (15+)
Learn the art of crafting custom candles, experimenting with wax types, wicks, fragrances, and colours.
Nov. 29, 2025 | SAC
Holiday Charcuterie Workshop (16+)
Learn to design a festive and flavourful charcuterie board, pairing meats, cheeses, and seasonal accents.
Dec. 4, 2025 | SAC
Parent & Child Holiday Pottery Painting Workshop (8+)
Paint your own holiday-themed pottery piece (a Santa bear) and learn simple glazing techniques.
Dec. 6, 2025 | SAC
Soap & Bath Bomb Making (16+)
Learn the basics of melt-and-pour soap crafting and bath bomb making, perfect for Christmas gifts.
Dec. 13, 2025 | SAC
Rent at SAC!
The Steinbach Arts Council offers a variety of beautiful rental spaces, including studios, music rooms, and a commercial kitchen, perfect for all kinds of events. SAC is more than just a venue, it’s a place where community comes together. Whether you’re planning a music recital, birthday party, or professional corporate event, we would love to have you in our building.
Contact us at 204-346-1077 or visit SteinbachArts.ca for rental details.
Join SAC in supporting arts and culture access in the Southeast
As the year comes to a close, the Steinbach Arts Council invites the community to help expand accessible arts programming for children, families, and adults across the Southeast. As one of the largest rural arts councils in Canada, SAC continues to see record participation in its camps, classes, concerts, and outreach programs.
SAC is delivering more than 160 programs and events, from early childhood arts education to free programming for youth, free programs for seniors, and cultural workshops. Increased demand continues to highlight the important role arts and culture play in the well-being and quality of life of our region, resulting in new initiatives such as therapeutic arts and expanded youth mentorships.
SAC invites residents, businesses, and community partners to support this year’s giving campaign. Donations can be made online at SteinbachArts.ca, by phone (204-346-1077), or in person at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.