Manitoba

September 28, 2012 CULTURE DAYS BEGINS TODAY – – – Free Events Scheduled Across the Province: Premier From today until Sunday, Manitobans will have the opportunity to attend dozens of family-friendly events to learn about the province’s vibrant arts and culture communities, Premier Greg Selinger announced today. “Manitobans have three days of free, hands-on, interactive activities during which they can participate behind the scenes and discover the world of artists, historians, architects, curators and designers,” said Selinger.  “Manitoba is proud to join the rest of Canada in celebrating this national event that raises awareness of this nation’s arts and culture community.” Culture Days is a collaborative national volunteer movement inspired by Quebec’s 13-year-old, annual Journées de la culture event. The first Culture Days event in 2010 swept across 700 Canadian cities and towns with more than 24,000 Manitobans participating in 160 arts and culture activities including Nuit Blanche, Winnipeg’s first interpretation of the all-night contemporary art event that happens worldwide. “The arts add tremendous richness to communities across Manitoba,” said Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino.  “The Manitoba government recognizes this important contribution and welcomes Culture Days.  I encourage everyone to get involved and learn more about Culture Days and participate in activities in your area.” 2012 Culture Days highlights include: 270 registered events across the province; over 170 activities in Winnipeg, among the highest total for any Canadian city; full-day events at The Forks including the return of Ask an Architect, a graffiti gallery art mashup, on-site massage and yoga, live bands from noon to 7 p.m. and a Beatles singalong; shows throughout the Exchange District and St. Boniface, including film screenings at Portage and Main, a pop-up film festival, events at Maison des Artistes, a pop-up restaurant and a live blacksmith art-creation project in Old Market Square; and Nuit Blanche, which continues to grow with close to 40 confirmed events including programs with the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Manitoba Museum, Manitoba Music and On Screen Manitoba.   To date, the province has contributed $45,000 to support the Culture Days program.  Culture Days is set to kick off Sept. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Portage and Main.  For more information or for a complete list of Manitoba events go to www.culturedays.ca.