Steinbach Arts Council to introduce music, art therapy

The Steinbach Arts Council has introduced music therapy for children and youth in Hanover schools this fall with the intention of expanding that to include art therapy next year.

During SAC’s AGM on Sept. 23, executive director David Klassen said the endeavour is something that is being done with care and strong partnerships as it is an outreach opportunity made possible by a $2,000 grant from the Chrysalis Fund.

He said SAC is building the infrastructure that will lay the groundwork for art therapy as well. He said the organization is looking for partnerships to make art therapy possible. Art therapy will initially be offered to youth and young adults until SAC can see where the interest lies.

“Right now, we’re partnering with Canadian Mennonite University instructors to make sure that we are doing the music therapy program with integrity. And we’ve reached out to the Wheat Institute to make sure that we are working in that same capacity with visual arts,” said Klassen, who hopes the art therapy workshops will start after Christmas.

Another highlight at the AGM is the continued growth in the finances of SAC. Although the financial report showed the deficit remained relatively the same from last year, around $25,000, a growth of about $200,000 in revenue brought the organization to $1.243 million compared to last year’s $1.063 million when SAC broke the million dollar threshold.

“It’s exciting for us,” said Klassen. “We are working incredibly hard. Our team works very hard to expand programming as much as possible. We are also actively pursuing sponsorship and donation that supports all of the programs that we do.”

Other financials included an increase in development income by almost $100,000, an increase in art instruction income by more than $50,000, an increase in membership dues by $10,000. Expenses included an increase in advertising and promotion by $24,000, an increase in art instruction payments of about $36,000, and an increase in wages by about $100,000. Federal and provincial grants totaled $88,083, or about $5,000 more from last year. SAC’s lease is $99,000 annually.

As SAC subsidizes programs and initiatives significantly, according to Klassen, the growth in programing and finances feels organic he said.

“It feels that the expanded programs are catching attention and really driving those sponsorship and donor dollars back into the organization to make sure that those things thrive.”

Klassen credited the team for being able to bring the organization past $1 million.

“I believe that I have a team behind me that shares my vision. We’ve worked very hard as an organization to develop a mission, vision, and value statement that has traction and that people can take with them everywhere they go, within their work, within their play, within their own recreation. I have a team who believes in the vision, and they are invested in growing this community,” he said.

SAC reported more than 2,300 registrants in 2025, which Klassen attributes to people liking the recreational opportunities they are receiving at the Steinbach Arts Centre. He acknowledged that ticket sales to the concerts have remained relatively the same as venue space has not changed. Ticket sales dropped about $9,000 last year from the previous year.

Klassen was asked about local theatre troop Looking Glass Theatre’s fundraising initiative to get donations to open a dedicated arts theatre in the city. He said SAC would support the initiative as there are many arts and culture groups in the city who are in need of a performing arts space as they all have outgrown the resources available to them.

“A shared vision is probably the strongest vision,” he said.

“Can we champion a space for our community? Absolutely. I do also believe that it is more than just a performing arts space that we can envision. We can envision a space that is a resource for many more groups: arts groups, performance groups, yes, corporate groups, conference groups, so much more. Do we want to make sure that we support the community and make sure that they know they have support through the arts council in order to achieve those things? Yes.”

Klassen’s vision for the future of SAC is a dream of more square footage for the organization, continuing to build growth, never rejecting a good idea, and growing community where everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel what the arts is like.

“That doesn’t mean that the arts is for everyone. But we also value skill development and recreational opportunities that go outside of the arts. We believe in healthy people,” he said.

Board president Taylor Brandt echoed Klassen’s vision and said looking beyond Steinbach is key.

“I’m also encouraged by the momentum we’re seeing in and beyond Steinbach. Our surrounding communities are an important part of what we do. I want to see us continue building those relationships and creating opportunities across the region in the next couple years. There is a lot of potential ahead of us,” said board president Taylor Brandt.

The executive was also announced at the AGM. Renewing their two-year terms are Patrick Friesen and Geoff Dilts. Joining the board for a two-year term is Angeline Martin. Board members that are continuing include Michelle Hillyard, Taylor Brandt, Meghan Esau, Erin Pasternak, and Marissa Wiebe.

The evening closed with an SAC member being honoured for his dedication to the arts. Klassen gave Ray Chapman a mug created by a local potter who learned to throw at the Steinbach Arts Centre and now has her own shop.

“Integrity, that’s you (Ray). Innovation, definitely you. Safety, belonging, and self-expression. Ray is all of those things, and we are very pleased to recognize him this year as our member of the year,” Klassen told Chapman.

“When you get to know Ray, it doesn’t take long to see his generosity and willingness to be involved. He’s quick to help. He’s eager to contribute, and he brings an incredible amount of creativity and talent to whatever he takes on,” he told the crowd.

An example of Chapman’s contribution was the construction of a small to scale version of a Volkswagen van after Klassen commented that he would love to have one in the Pioneer Days Parade.

Chapman spent a lifetime in the military and paramilitary. Throughout his life he has had a love of reading and the performing arts, namely opera and ballet.

“Whenever I think of the arts and going to (the ballet or opera)…I’ve long had sort of a quiet love for that. And it’s kind of funny sitting around with a bunch of tough guys and stuff. It’s like, ‘So, have you ever seen Swan Lake?’ It’s not one of those guys (who would say, ’Yes.’), but every now and then you’d meet somebody who would,” said Chapman.

“It’s always been a part (of my life), always loved it, continue to love it, and just love to see you guys (SAC) working in the community.”