The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is asking for a $30,000 increase in annual funding from the City of Steinbach as it continues to experience rapid growth in programming and community participation.
The request, presented to the City’s Strategic Priorities Committee, would raise the city's yearly operating support from $55,000 to $85,000.
Steinbach Arts Council outpacing similar-sized communities
Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra said SAC’s impact far exceeds what one might expect from an arts organization in a city of approximately 20,000 people.
“They are doing the work of arts councils that you see in much larger communities than ours,” said Zwaagstra. “They were sharing with us that the things that they’re doing are on par with what you’ll see in larger cities such as Mississauga or, frankly, the Arts Council of Saskatchewan.”
Zwaagstra pointed out SAC’s 45-year history, diverse partnerships, and growing programming as signs of both community need and successful management. SAC has maintained strong collaborations with local churches, Hanover School Division, and other community venues to accommodate their programs, which often exceed the capacity of their current building.
“They’ve had to resort to things such as multiple showings,” Zwaagstra said, referring to recent theatre productions. “They have partnerships with various churches… and we’re certainly hoping that they’ll be able to take advantage of some of the opportunities that will be available shortly in the Southeast Event Centre.”
City urges fee changes for non-residents
While council members acknowledged the Arts Council’s value to the community, they also emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness for city taxpayers.
Like other city-supported services — including the Jake Epp Library and the Steinbach Aquatic Centre — council is encouraging SAC to adjust its fee structure to include higher rates for non-residents. The suggestion is rooted in the principle that Steinbach taxpayers should not be subsidizing costs for individuals who live outside city limits.
Mayor Earl Funk echoed support for the Arts Council’s contributions but also noted the need to balance requests within the city's financial planning.
“It’s incredible the amount of artists that go through that centre,” Funk said. “They’re bursting at the seams. Every time I pass by there in the evening, that parking lot is full. They’re using that building to the best of their abilities.”
Funk praised SAC’s ingenuity in working with community partners to secure additional space for programming and said their growth has been nothing short of remarkable.
SAC reported over 140 subsidized programs. For the 2024-2025 programming year, they anticipate nearly 2,000 participants and more than 140 classes and concerts.
“It’s just incredible what they’re doing,” said Funk.
Next steps for council
Council has referred SAC’s funding request to an upcoming study session, where it will be reviewed alongside other budget considerations. Funk said he looks forward to continued partnership with SAC and stressed the broader impact of the arts on community wellbeing.
“We have our own story of how arts has affected our family,” said Funk. “We all have a story in our family of how the arts has affected us — whether it’s singing, performing arts, visual arts. These stories need to be told and we need to celebrate them.”