September 26, 2022, Treaty No. 1 territory, Winnipeg, MB – Downtown Winnipeg is celebrating Culture Days, inviting Winnipeggers to enjoy immersive and entertaining free family-friendly events throughout downtown. Between October 1-8, six downtown destinations will be energized with experiences, performances and programming for Downtown Culture Days, as part of Winnipeg’s Downtown Recovery Strategy.
“Culture Days has been an incredible showcase of local art and culture for 13 years,” says David Pensato, Executive Director of the Exchange District BIZ. “Winnipeg’s downtown neighbourhoods form an amazing hub for art and performance, and I’m thrilled that we can highlight the vitality of our community as part of this national celebration.”
Downtown Culture Days events take place at Central Park, Chinatown, The Forks, Hargrave Street Market, Old Market Square, and Stephen Juba Park. Energizing spaces and hosting large gatherings that encourage visitation of downtown Winnipeg is a key part of downtown’s recovery efforts.
“Downtown Culture Days are creating new reasons to visit and experience downtown through free and inclusive events and initiatives,” says Pamela Hardman, Director of Marketing, Engagement and Communications at the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “There’s something to enjoy every day that celebrates the vibrant and culturally-rich environment that is downtown Winnipeg.”
Downtown Culture Days is an initiative of Winnipeg’s Downtown Recovery Strategy, the innovative and intensive three-year coordinated action and investment plan to kick-start downtown recovery post-pandemic. The Downtown Action Team, consisting of several partner organizations and business improvement zones, are developing initiatives that raise downtown business revenue, advance cultural understanding and reconciliation, and activate spaces throughout the downtown.
“The West End BIZ is proud to be working together with our BIZ partners to help Winnipeggers celebrate Culture Days across the heart of the city,” says Joe Kornelsen, Executive Director of the West End BIZ. “With all that’s going on in our neighbourhoods, there will be something special for everyone”
The Downtown Culture Days events are happening thanks to a grant from Canadian Heritage.
“The last three years have been difficult for many of us, including live performers, creators and artists. As we see more and more live events happening in our communities, we understand the need and the importance to assist our cultural industry, its people, and their cultural spaces,” says Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “The Government of Canada is proud to support Winnipeg’s Downtown Culture Days through our Reopening Fund. I’m truly happy to see arts, culture and heritage initiatives returning to our communities and bringing us together.”
Our downtown is on Treaty No. 1 territory and the traditional Homeland of the Red River Métis. There is something to enjoy every day of Downtown Culture Days. Information on the daily events can be found at downtownrecovery.ca. The information and media contacts for each venue is listed below. Guests are invited to share their experiences using #downtownculturedays.
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