COLUMN: Arts & Culture – SAC calls for participation in Southeast Open Judged Exhibit
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Applications for the annual Southeast Open Judged Exhibit (SOJE) are 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.
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Tour sold out
SAC is once again excited to host the annual Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Tour on Dec. 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Crossview Church. This cherished community event allows local audiences to enjoy a full professional orchestra close to home!
This year’s concert will feature favourite holiday music, special guests Erin Propp and Larry Roy, and a dramatic reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas narrated by Jim Harms. The WSO will also collaborate with the Eastman Male Choir, directed by Shannon Sawatzky, and include a festive audience sing-along!
You can also visit our local artist gift shop before the show! Tickets are sold out, but you can call 204-346-1077 to be added to the ticket wait list.
Thanks to Three Way Builders for sponsoring this concert.
A homegrown night of music, beer, and wings
The Steinbach Arts Council presents Homegrown, a one-of-a-kind concert experience featuring local band Brooke Paige & The Rumbleseat, live on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.
Kick back with great music, craft beer from The Public, and delicious wings from Smitty’s for an entertaining evening that celebrates local talent and flavour.
Tickets are just $30 and include your first round of beer and wings! Get your tickets at SteinbachArts.ca/Homegrown or call 204-346-1077.
Proudly sponsored by Loewen Body Shop.
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:
November workshops
Métis driftwood windchime making workshop (13+)
Create unique, nature-inspired windchimes using driftwood, beads, and natural elements.
Nov. 15, 2025, in partnership with Rest Haven Care Home
Holiday dip workshop (16+)
Learn how to make a variety of crowd-pleasing, party-ready dips for holiday gatherings.
Nov. 20, 2025 at SAC
Traditional Ukrainian necklace shelesty workshop (6-10)
Use special beads and shiny bells to create a shelesty necklace
Nov. 22, 2025 at SAC
Filipino “Parol” Christmas lantern making (18+)
Craft your own Filipino “Parol” Christmas lantern, learning its history and cultural importance.
Nov. 22, 2025, in partnership with Mennonite Heritage Village
Candle making workshop (15+)
Learn the art of crafting custom candles, experimenting with wax types, wicks, fragrances, and colours.
Nov. 29, 2025 at SAC
Our Culture & Heritage Workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen.
December Workshops
Holiday charcuterie workshop (16+)
Learn to design a festive and flavorful charcuterie board, pairing meats, cheeses, and seasonal accents.
Dec. 4, 2025 at SAC
Holiday pottery painting workshop (10+)
Paint your own holiday-themed pottery piece (Santa bear) and learn simple glazing techniques.
Dec. 6, 2025 at 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 at 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.
Southeast Manitoba Festival calls for entries from all disciplines
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 and 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 to 19, Dance: Feb. 20 to 22, Strings: Feb. 28 and March 9, Junior Piano: Vocal (Feb. 17 to 19), Dance (Feb. 21 to 22), Strings (Feb. 28 and March 9), Junior Piano (March 2 to 5), Musical Theatre (March 6 to 7), Choral (March 10 to 11), and Senior Piano (March 16 to 20).
SEMF would like to thank its sponsors: Days Inn Steinbach (Accommodation Sponsor), Nature’s Farm (Vocal), Dr Sheila Harms & Warren Trimble (Gala & JR Piano), RK Electric (Musical Theatre), Steinbach Dental Clinic (SR Piano).