COLUMN: Art and Culture – Message from the executive director
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As we approach the holiday season, we want to acknowledge the community that makes the Steinbach Arts Council’s work possible. Your participation — showing up to classes, supporting local artists, attending concerts and events – encouraging creativity in general – is what allows us to contribute to the quality of life in the Southeast. This has been one of our most active and encouraging years yet, thanks to the way our region continues to engage with the arts.
What we’ve seen this year
Participation continues to grow across every area of our programming. Theatre class registrations are at record numbers, our multi-disciplinary art classes are full, and dance in the region is gaining momentum with the return of our dance festival this spring. Teens and adults are also asking for more opportunities to build their skills, showing how strongly the arts are valued throughout the Southeast.
This momentum reflects the commitment of our team and the way the community responds to their work. It’s one of the reasons we were named a finalist for the Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year Award — recognition of the role arts and culture continue to play in strengthening quality of life in our region.
What we’re working on
Your participation and engagement guides our planning. This year, we are moving forward with several important initiatives that respond to what we’re hearing and seeing in the community.
We are working to establish an affiliation between the Southeastern Manitoba Festival and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals, which would open national opportunities for young musicians in our region. We’re developing programming that supports mental and emotional wellness in partnership with Southern Health and the Chrysalis Fund, planning for expanded gallery space, and working to increase class availability for children and youth.
We’re also expanding cultural learning opportunities, strengthening our free programming for seniors, and building partnerships with the Hanover School Division and other local organizations to ensure our programs continue to meet community needs. All of this aligns with our focus on creating community through the arts.
Our mission in action
In May 2023, we released our information video titled “Belong” (available at steinbacharts.ca), which highlights our commitment to creating a place where anyone can feel welcome — families seeking accessible programs, young musicians looking for a platform, artists wanting connection, and residents who value creativity’s role in their daily lives.
Our mission is clear: we create community through arts and culture. We work to offer safe, creative spaces for people to learn, grow, and feel part of something larger. This includes:
• Accessible programs for children, youth, and adults
• Cultural learning opportunities that strengthen relationships
• Platforms for artists to develop and share their work
• Partnerships that reach more people across the Southeast
• A healthy region supported by a strong arts and culture sector
Thank you
Everything we accomplish is possible because of our staff, board, volunteers, partners, and most importantly, the people who take part in our programs and events. Together, we’re building a community where creativity is celebrated and everyone has opportunities to engage.
From all of us at the Steinbach Arts Council, we wish you a safe and meaningful holiday season.
Events at SAC
Be part of the annual community exhibit!
Applications for the annual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit 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, from painting to photography, and more! Applications are available for Juvenile and Adult submissions in both competitive and non-competitive categories. Apply 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!
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
Adult needle felting (15+)
Discover needle felting by creating a landscape and learning to blend and layer colours.
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 | SAC
Herdan Sylianka – Ukrainian beading (12+)
Practice foundational stringing techniques by creating Herdan Sylianka necklaces.
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 | Southeast Event Centre
Our Cultural & Heritage Workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Feeds & Hatchery.
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, or in person at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.