COLUMN: Arts and Culture – 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.

Southeast community comes together for the opening of Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit

Visit our community exhibit! Celebrate the creative talent of Southeastern Manitoba at the annual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit, hosted at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Enjoy artwork from local artists of all ages and skill levels, displayed in a wide variety of mediums—from painting and drawing to photography and digital art. The exhibit runs Feb. 27 to March 26, with a public opening ceremony on Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. Join us to support community artists and experience the vibrant creativity growing in our region.

SAC’s expanded spring program 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

SAC opens ticket sales for its added attraction series

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

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.

SAC opens applications for 2026-2027 Hall Gallery exhibits

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 exhibition season in the Hall Gallery. The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) invites student artists and other emerging artists from Southeastern Manitoba to apply, continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting regional talent. Since its founding, SAC has prioritized providing opportunities for artists to showcase their work to promote community appreciation for local artistry.

Application Details

The gallery accepts 15 to 30 pieces of artwork per artist, with a focus on original, hung wall displays.

• Requirements: A portfolio of three to five photos of original artwork and a brief artist biography.

• Timeline: Applications are currently open. Application closes April 13.

• How to apply: For full submission guidelines or to request an application form, email Cassandra Kornelsen at cassandra@steinbacharts.ca.

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 five to 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

Sourdough Bread (14+)

Master the process of making sourdough bread, including maintaining a healthy starter and understanding fermentation.

Saturday, Feb. 28 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Pat Porter Active Living Centre | Fee: $60

Nutrition & Healthy Habits (12+)

Learn mindful nutrition principles and practical habit-building tools for sustainable, long-term wellbeing.

Saturday, March 7 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | SAC | Fee: $30

Acrylic Painting (12+)

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

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

Traditional Ukrainian Necklace Shelesty Workshop (6-10)

Create a traditional Ukrainian Shelesty necklace using special beads and bells, learning about its cultural significance.

Saturday, March 21 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | SAC | Fee: $35

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:

• Junior Piano: March 2 to 5 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre

• Musical Theatre: March 6 at the Evangelical Fellowship Church; March 7 to 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.