COLUMN: Arts and Culture – Message from the executive director

At the Steinbach Arts Council, our work is about more than access.

It is about the environment we create — spaces that are safe and welcoming, led by skilled instructors and mentors, with room to try, to learn, and to grow. We believe that environment matters. When people feel supported, they take creative risks. They build confidence. They begin to recognize their own potential.

Each year, SAC supports thousands of people across southeast Manitoba at every stage of their artistic development. Children build critical thinking skills and confidence through music, theatre, and visual arts. Teens strengthen discipline, collaboration, and leadership. Adults continue learning and creating. Seniors find meaningful connection and opportunities to remain engaged. Our focus is not on one moment or one performance. It is on growth that happens over time.

Fundamentally, this work builds something we all believe in – community.

National research reinforces what we see every day. A survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute found that Canadians who regularly attend live music events are almost twice as likely to report a very strong sense of belonging to their city or town. The Vital Signs report by Community Foundations of Canada describes the arts as a catalyst for belonging — creating shared experiences where relationships form and trust develops. When we gather to perform, applaud, volunteer, listen, or create, we strengthen the fabric of the places we call home.

Belonging matters. It connects young people to their hometown. It helps families feel rooted. It allows seniors to remain active and engaged. A healthy arts sector contributes to a healthy region — socially, culturally, and economically.

For more than 45 years, SAC has worked to ensure that arts and culture remain central to life in our region. Today, we offer more than 160 programs and performances annually, with bursaries and subsidized opportunities that help remove financial barriers to participation.

Nearly 30 years ago, SAC became a place where someone noticed my potential and supported my growth. That same commitment continues to guide our work today. We are building an environment where others can experience that same encouragement and opportunity.

On May 1, we invite our community to join us at our annual Gala fundraiser. This evening is not simply a celebration of the arts. It is an investment in youth mentorship, therapeutic arts programming, accessible opportunities, and high-quality cultural experiences that bring people together across Southeast Manitoba.

When we invest in this work, we strengthen the fabric of our region and reflect the cultures that make it so diverse. We create a place that supports people and contributes to a strong, connected community — one worth living in and staying in.

We hope you will join us.

Events at SAC

Steinbach Arts Council to celebrate an evening dedicated to possibility, generosity, and impact

The Steinbach Arts Council invites you to our annual Fundraising Gala on Friday, May 1. Featuring gourmet local cuisine, fine wine, local entertainment, and a curated auction. Funds raised directly support subsidized programs, bursaries, free youth programming, and the growth of therapeutic arts initiatives in our region.

Thank you to our generous gala sponsors. A full list of sponsors is available on our event website.

To reserve your table, contact sydney@steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

SAC’s expanded spring season opens for registration

Spring classes are back for the second year! This spring, there’s something for everyone. Take classes in:

Kids Drawing and Painting: Ages 5-6

Everything Art: Ages 7-8 & 9-12

Youth Mixed Media: Ages 12-17

Beginner Watercolour: Ages 16+

Hand Building with Clay (Saturday): Ages 5-12

Beginner Pottery (Saturday): Ages 16+

Open Pottery Studio: Ages 16+

Youth Improv: Ages 12-17

*Culinary Kids: Ages 5-8 & 9-12

Beginner Yoga: Ages 16+

Zumba: Ages 16+

Strength Circuit: Ages 14+

Apply for bursaries toward your SAC classes:

The Steinbach Arts Council is dedicated to removing barriers for families and opening doors for children through the Steinbach Dodge Creative Kids Bursary Fund and Roxanne Klassen Memorial Fund. Learn more at SteinbachArts.ca/Bursaries.

*Thanks to Bread Main & Butter for sponsoring our Culinary Arts Program

Get your tickets for our upcoming concerts

Broadway Moments — March 19 to 21, SRSS Theatre

Celebrate over a decade of community musicals with favourite hits from The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, and more.

MTYP’s Tad & Birdy — April 10, Pat Porter Active Living Centre

This heartwarming story follows two unlikely friends on an adventure filled with courage, change, and the excitement of discovering the world beyond your window. Tickets are FREE for this special performance.

Valerie Dueck: From Night to Light — April 11, Grace Mennonite Church

Experience an immersive evening of solo piano blending music, poetry, and visual art.

Thanks to Steinbach Credit Union for sponsoring our Added Attraction series.

For tickets, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204.346.1077.

Spring Break Camp offers a creative environment for students during the school break!

Spring Break Camp offers an exciting, high-energy experience where kids aged 5–12 can dive into visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and culinary arts. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new passions and talents!

Don’t miss out—sign up today to join us from March 30 to April 2.

Visit SteinbachArts.ca/SBC or call 204-346-1077.

Thanks to Canadian Tire for sponsoring this camp.

Join workshops at SAC

Acrylic Painting (12+)

Learn the essentials of acrylic painting, including colour mixing, blending, and layering techniques to create an original piece.

Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Fernwood Place | Fee: $60

Papercutting Art Workshop (16+)

Participants will explore this meditative cultural art form, diving into the various styles of Swiss, Chinese, and Mexican papercutting and learning techniques to create their own take-home piece.

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | SAC | Fee: $70

Stained Glass Workshop (18+)

Learn the ancient technique of stained glass making and create two beautiful pieces during this full-day workshop.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1 hr lunch from 12-1) | SAC | Fee: $105

Our Culture & Heritage Workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Hatchery and Feeds.

SEMF Festival Information:

The 2026 Southeast Manitoba Festival (SEMF) is taking place throughout February and March, bringing together young performers from across the region for adjudicated sessions in music, dance, theatre, and more.

2026 SEMF Schedule & Locations:

• Musical Theatre: March 6 at the Evangelical Fellowship Church; March 7–8 at the SRSS

• Choral: March 10 to 11 at the Blumenort Community Church

• Strings: March 12 to 13 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre

• Senior Piano: March 16 to 20 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre

• SEMF Gala Awards Night: March 25 at the SRSS Theatre

To learn more about the festival, visit SEMF.ca. We encourage the public to come experience the festival. Admission is $3 for all the disciplines mentioned above.

The 2026 festival is made possible by the generous support of local partners, including Steinbach Dental Clinic, Nature’s Farm, Dr. Sheila Harms & Warren Trimble, Days Inn, and RK Electric.