Arting in Rural Manitoba

Whether you are an artist or an art enthusiast, “arting” in rural Manitoba has its challenges! By “arting” I simply mean anything to do with the production, dissemination and appreciation of creative work. Because many art norms and traditions emerged in the context of cities within the western European and American contexts, it can feel like the art world is practically non-existent in small town Manitoba. Especially when you look at art world hubs like London or New York.

Imagine you are in New York and it is a Friday evening. You are a young artist looking to make connections, see what your contemporaries are up to. There are approximately 1400 galleries for you to choose from. Not only that, but New York is home to the cultural institutions of both the Guggenheim and the MET–an art museum which hosts a gala so famous it has become a cultural trope! For a young artist looking for inspiration, networks, and comradery, it is only a matter of when and where you put your energy for cultivating connections. 

While every Canadian city has an art scene, one of the unique things about Manitoba is the distribution of population into one major city, rather than two or three, as is the case with other Canadian Provinces. Because Winnipeg is home to 60% of Manitoba’s entire population, this means the concentration of cultural resources are located there. For a rural based artist or art enthusiast this poses a challenge to become and stay connected with the local art scene. Isolation, in other words, is one of the biggest barriers for professional artists aspiring to establish their career and cultivating an art practice outside of Winnipeg.

There are a few positives to the challenges of making and viewing art in rural Manitoba. Looking over the history of art movements demonstrates that creative work often begins in the margins. Artists and creative workers go to places where they can afford to live and pursue their work. In that way rural Manitoba has the potential to be a supportive place for artists to affordably establish their practice. 

Additionally, if you live in rural Manitoba you know that nothing happens without the whole community getting involved. Whether it is volunteering for a fall supper, or ensuring there are winter activities in the Community Halls, or finding a way to balance a full time job, family life and the three committees you are part of, rural Manitoba is run on community support. Rural residents are used to creative problem solving and getting involved to make things happen. Just because rural Manitoba lacks the infrastructure for the “White Cube” gallery experience doesn’t mean it lacks the community will and support needed to find alternative ways to foster and celebrate intelligent cultural production. It just takes thinking outside the art world box a little.

“Arting” past the perimeter certainly has its challenges–but every place does. There will always be a bigger, better city to move to if you are in creative work. If you are looking to establish yourself as a professional artist, or just long for more cultural opportunities to enjoy–take heart! Art and artists are everywhere. And you never know, the next cultural movement could be born in rural Manitoba!