Urban Art Centres

What is this program about?

The Urban Arts Centres (UAC) initiative provides financial assistance to community-based, not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations delivering annual ongoing arts-based programming, to targeted (underserved or underrepresented and high-need/high-risk) communities in Manitoba.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Increase the involvement of individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities in development through arts education and arts skills development.
• Support life-long learning, to foster arts skills development with an ultimate objective of providing opportunities for personal development, leisure and career options within the arts and cultural industries.
• Enhance quality of life through engagement with the arts and;
• Increase access to, and participation in, arts activities throughout Manitoba in general.

Where is the program available?

Currently through centres that are community-based arts development organizations within Manitoba, who have a mandate to develop skills and audiences for the arts in an urban community setting.

Who can apply?

This program funds representative community groups involved in developing a Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (NRC) or that have already been incorporated as an NRC, where the – Corporation:

• Through a process of consultation, and the availability of financial resources, consideration will be given to community-based, not-for-profit arts organizations serving a significant urban and regional population.
• Must have a constitution and bylaws and operate with a duly elected board of directors;
• Must have provided programming for a minimum of two years;
• Should have municipal support as evidenced by letters of financial commitment, which include a certification of the per capita contributions by supporting municipalities;
• Must offer programming that consists of a variety of arts activities including performing arts events, exhibitions, readings, lectures, workshops and classes;
• Must allow membership to be open to the public;
• Must make programs open and accessible to the public at no cost;
• Must provide evidence of sound management and fiscal accountability.

How are grants calculated?

Grants levels are determined through a consultative process and based on assessment of the size of the community served, availability of similar services and programs in the community and specific community factors.

How much funding is available?

A maximum of $40,000.00 annually is available to qualifying applicants. Grants are typically phased over a 4-year period in increments of $10,000.00, subject to the availability of resources.

What is the deadline for proposals?

Funding proposal are timed to conform to an organization's fiscal year and programming cycles and are typically due no later than August of any given year. Proposals are only accepted following a process of consultation with Arts Branch staff.

How do I apply to the program?

Email: artsbranch@gov.mb.ca

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have an idea or project you would like to explore further, please contact:

Arts Branch
Culture, Heritage and Tourism
Government of Manitoba
6th floor - 213 Notre Dame
Winnipeg MB, R3B 1N3
Email: artsbranch@gov.mb.ca
Phone: (204) 945-3847 Fax: (204) 945-1684
Or visit the website at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/artsbranch/index.html