Winnipeg, MB – Today, on the 150th anniversary of Winnipeg’s incorporation, the City of Winnipeg launched the Winnipeg 150 Community Celebration Grant program at the future home of the City’s Archives.
Existing festivals, events, museums, and other organizations who operate within Winnipeg and incorporate the Winnipeg 150 theme: Our shared stories. Our shared future. into their 2024 programming can apply for grants of up to $5,000. Funding for the grants is subject to Council’s approval of the 2024-2027 multi-year budget.
“We are excited to celebrate Winnipeg 150, and want to involve local community organizations who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to our city over the years,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Grants of up to $5,000 will be available for organizations to highlight the history and future of Winnipeg in their programming this year through music, performances, or exhibits.”
More information about the grant program, including the application process, criteria, and deadlines is available at: winnipeg.ca/150years.
We will officially mark 150 years as a city on January 19, 2024, the anniversary of the first meeting of City Council, with an event celebrating former and current elected officials.
The City is planning to mark Winnipeg 150 with additional community events and celebrations throughout the year, as outlined in the Council-approved administrative report, including:
- Providing funds to current Members of Council for ward events to mark Winnipeg 150;
- Production of a Winnipeg 150 graphic in conjunction with a local artist and Winnipeg Arts Council;
- Commemorative Winnipeg 150 medals to be presented by the Mayor and Council to outstanding Winnipeggers;
- Production of Winnipeg 150 souvenirs;
- Producing a video awareness campaign featuring the stories and priorities of local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in relationship to Winnipeg’s emergence, identity, and continuing prosperity;
- An event to acknowledge Winnipeg’s Sister Cities;
- A candlelight service for the families of veterans at Brookside Cemetery; and
- Production of a time capsule.
The time capsule will include letters from dignitaries, items documenting Winnipeg 150 activities, and other records of Our shared stories. Our shared future. It will be stored at the City’s Archives until it’s opened for the City’s 200th anniversary in 2074.
In addition, Council approved funds in the 2023 budget to begin work on the renovation of the former Carnegie Library, located at 380 William Ave., so that it can serve as the City’s Archives. Once completed, this Winnipeg 150 Legacy Project will help ensure the long-term preservation of the City’s growing archival collection, and will provide an enhanced space for future programming.
“We are looking forward to a great year, marking this historic anniversary, and we hope all Winnipeggers will find a reason to celebrate,” added Gillingham.
To learn more about our city’s history, see: winnipeginfocus.winnipeg.ca/winnipeg150.