Art City was founded in 1998 by Wanda Koop, am
internationally esteemed artist and member of the order of Canada. She
recognized a need for accessible arts programming in Winnipeg’s West Broadway
neighbourhood. Art City is known for being one of the first organizations of
its kind in Canada. Our core belief: that community art programming should be
accessible to all.
West Broadway, at the heart of Winnipeg’s core area, is a culturally
diverse neighbourhood. It is overcoming a long history of frequent and
reoccurring social challenges, such as high rates of poverty, unemployment, and
systematic discrimination.
The benefits of recreation centres that offer sports and
physical activities for community residents, has been long recognized and
understood by cities across Canada. However, within the community context,
opportunities provided for artistic expression are rare. Art City provides this
needed opportunity, serving the unique needs of the community, and making a
significant and powerful cultural impact. How do we do this, you ask?
• Art City fosters self-expression in participants, and
encourages a sense of community, ownership, self-respect, and pride in one’s
work.
• We provide a place that is safe, comfortable, and
supportive for kids and adults alike.
• We offer accessible, free-of-charge, high quality
programming, with local, national, and international professional artists.
• Art City is sustainable and available to the community,
day after day, year after year.
• We are a model for future community art centres.
“We are not necessarily making artists, We are giving people
the opportunity to think creatively, and my feeling is that if you can think
creatively, you can survive almost anything.”-Wanda Koop, Founder
Art City is open to all, regardless of age or address. The
majority of Art City participants are West Broadway children between the ages
of 6 and 13 years. Our programs also engage many older youth, adult, and senior
participants who would not otherwise have access to such artistic opportunity.
Participants and artists of all cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities work
together in collective art programming at our organization. Our studio is a
positive reflection of our community.
