Winnipeg Public Library offered its first Maker-in-Residence program from December 2022 - March 2023. The program created opportunities for Winnipeggers to connect with local makers to learn, create, and collaborate. The library invited applications from local makers who exhibited creative skills in visual arts, digital media, music, and/or manufacturing. Two local makers joined the library as the first Makers-in-Residence: Osani Balkaran, a Guyanese/Cree abstract rapper and music producer, and Sean McLachlan, an artist and letterpress printer. The program reached more than 400 individuals directly through its activities in its inaugural run.
In fall 2024, makers Janet Murata and Tracy Charette Fehr hosted 65 programs with 721 people attending.
The Maker-in-Residence program is funded by the City of Winnipeg. The library hosts up to three makers a year.
Previous Makers-in-Residence:
- 2024 (September-December) - Janet Murata, calligrapher. Janet is a Japanese Canadian professional calligrapher. She is skilled in origami and watercolour, with interests in sustainable sewing and upcycling natural fibres.
- 2024 (September-December) - Tracy Charette Fehr, interdisciplinary artist. Tracy is of Métis/Settler origins. She works with textiles, embroidery, clay, paint, beading and quillwork.
- 2022-23 - Osani Balkaran, rapper and music producer. This inaugural term was funded by the Government of Canada. Connect with the project created during his residency, Pandemic Sounds and Rhythms.
- 2022-23 - Sean McLachlan, artist and letterpress printer. This inaugural term was funded by the Government of Canada. Connect with the project created during his residency, Pandemic Postcard Time Capsule.