At Manitoba Arts Network (MAN), we believe the arts thrive when all voices are heard and celebrated. Our commitment is to build a community rooted in equity, respect, and reconciliation, where artists, presenters, and audiences across Manitoba can connect, create, and grow together.

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Our Commitment

• Stand in solidarity against systemic racism, anti-Indigenous racism, and discrimination in all its forms.

• Foster safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces across all MAN programs and events.

• Support the full and equal participation of Indigenous peoples, people of colour, newcomers and refugees, persons with disabilities, Deaf persons, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and women in the arts.

• Strive to remove barriers and create opportunities through intersectionality, compassion, and respect.

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Diversity & Inclusion Through the Arts

• Encourage diverse and challenging artistic points of view in our programs.

• Work with members to increase representation and access for rural and Northern audiences.

• Actively review and change organizational systems and practices to be more inclusive.

• Support new and emerging artists, as well as underrepresented voices.

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Decolonization & Reconciliation

We recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and commit to genuine reconciliation through the arts.

Decolonization means:

• Challenging the dominance of Western thought and elevating Indigenous knowledge.

• Supporting Indigenous governance, ideologies, and cultural practices.

• Shifting perceptions to better respect and understand Indigenous worldviews.

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Reconciliation means:

• Building respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

• Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ deep connections to land.

• Learning from history to ensure harm is not repeated.

• Respecting Indigenous beliefs, cultures, traditions, languages, and goals.

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Our Actions include:

• Adopting the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework.

• Activating key TRC Calls to Action, including:

  • Building capacity for intercultural understanding and mutual respect.

  • Undertaking collaborative projects that contribute to reconciliation.

  • Increasing Indigenous programming, including Indigenous-language speakers.

  • Ensuring Indigenous peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education.

  • Providing education for staff, board, and members about the history and legacy of residential schools.

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Land Acknowledgement

Manitoba Arts Network and our members live and work on Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 territories. We acknowledge and honour the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, and Nehethowuk Nations, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We also recognize the Inuit community, whose strong presence continues to shape Manitoba. We are committed to building meaningful relationships and increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples in the arts, both now and for generations to come.