Winnipeg, MB – Today, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced the Winnipeg 150 Mayor’s Ball raised over $80,000 to support four major local performing arts organizations: Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Funds raised will be split equally between the four organizations, and will be distributed by the Winnipeg Foundation.
More than 700 people joined Mayor Gillingham last month to celebrate Winnipeg’s historic anniversary while raising money for these four pillars in our performing arts community.
“For decades, these organizations have brought the stories of Winnipeg to life with their talent and artistry,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “The support shown at the Winnipeg 150 Mayor’s Ball demonstrates how much our community values the arts. Thank you to the sponsors and everyone who came out to celebrate our city’s theatre, ballet, symphony, and opera and for showing them how much we care.”
“The Mayor’s Ball was a spectacular celebration of Winnipeg’s vibrant arts community and a true testament to the City’s leadership in highlighting the importance of culture in Winnipeg,” said Larry Desrochers of Manitoba Opera. “The evening was an inspiring reminder that our shared history, passions, and creativity are what make Winnipeg so uniquely special.”
“I know I speak for my colleagues at Manitoba Opera, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet,” said Angela Birdsell, Executive Director of Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, “in extending our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Gillingham and the City of Winnipeg for this historic celebration. We also thank the many sponsors who made this event possible, our artists who performed, the organizing team, and especially the many guests from all walks of our city life. The evening beautifully showcased the role our organizations and the arts in general, play in shaping our city’s identity and future. We look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen Winnipeg’s cultural community.”
Winnipeg 150 community events and celebrations are continuing over the next two months, as the year of recognition draws to a close. To learn more about how we’re marking 150 years as a city, visit winnipeg.ca/150years