About WAC

The Winnipeg Arts Advisory Council (WAAC) was established in 1984 by Winnipeg City Council to assist the City in determining funding to arts and cultural organizations, and to provide advice on cultural policy development.

At the direction of City Council, in April 2002 its successor, the Winnipeg Arts Council (WAC), was incorporated as an independent arm’s length agency.

The City’s total allocation to the Winnipeg Arts Council is $4,032,552 (2008).

GRANT PROGRAMS

Grants are made available to not-for-profit arts organizations and individual artists and arts administrators working in all artistic disciplines. Applications are peer assessed, and the existence of high professional standards, community and audience support, and financial viability are key considerations in arriving at grant recommendations.

PUBLIC ART

In 2001 WAC was directed by City Council to develop a Public Art Policy for the City. The Mayor’s Task Force on Public Art worked with WAC’s Committee on Public Art, to develop a policy and program for public art in Winnipeg. The Policy was adopted by City Council in 2003.

The Public Art program is supported by an annual allocation from the City’s capital budget.