This article was originally published on SteinbachOnline.com: https://steinbachonline.com/articles/steinbach-arts-council-shares-statistics-on-their-growth-over-the-last-6-years Photo Courtesy of SteinbachOnline.com The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) presented in front of Steinbach City Council at Tuesday’s Strategic Priorities Committee (SPC) meeting. SAC Executive Director David Klassen gives a snapshot of the organization and the work they do in the community. He describes SAC as an organization that focuses on clear strategic priorities that support their mandate, which is to develop and support community arts and arts organizations, provide resources, and connect our arts community with each other and with all levels of government. “We have become a hub for community programs, drawing people from many surrounding communities who want to take advantage of what Manitoba’s third largest city has to offer,” he says. “We strive to mentor young students, develop instructors and bring community together through our programming, creating opportunities for individuals to engage right here in their home city.” Klassen says the arts impact our community by developing life skills like leadership, work ethic, creative and critical thinking, while also promoting mental and emotional wellness. “Participating in the arts helps us appreciate different perspectives, encouraging, understanding, and empathy. Our goal is to provide more opportunities for everyone in and around Steinbach to experience sense of community, personal development, and belonging.” SAC Board Chair Michelle Hillyard says in recent years coming out of the pandemic, they have seen substantial growth at the SAC. “Both in the numbers of people coming through these doors each day, and the number of programs we are offering in the community.” Klassen adds that in 2018, SAC ran over 60 programs and about 8 concerts. Since then, they have experienced massive growth. “In 2024, we proudly tell people that we run over 140 classes, workshops, and concerts for all ages.” He says when he began his role in 2019 as SAC’s Director of Performing Arts, he researched similar arts organizations across Canada. He found that many organizations focused on one or two areas. “Like performing arts, training at a dance school, or a gallery and visual arts classes, or just concert presentations. SAC does all of those things under one roof, and we continue to grow and adapt with the increasingly diverse population.” He informs that on a weekly basis, they open their doors to approximately 1,100 people, resulting in roughly 1,600 hours of direct contact with community members. “In 2018, we may have seen 800 or 900 registrations versus 1500 by the end of 2023. That means that the numbers at the end of our most recent fiscal year, 2024, would be even greater.” Many people have moved from other cities, provinces, and countries to Steinbach and area. Klassen says that like the City of Steinbach, SAC celebrates culture, heritage and diversity. “We find that newcomers to this community make SAC one of their first stops looking for opportunities for their families. We find that families are looking for financial support, and that trend is increasing along with the demand for a balanced variety of recreational opportunities, affordability, and accessibility. He informs studies show that participating in arts activities create stronger connections between people. “If we don’t keep up, we risk losing a vital point of contact for many in our City.”
