Manitoba Showcase
Schedule
Your Showcase Week Guide
Manitoba Showcase 2025 is your opportunity to experience an exciting mix of live performances, professional development, and meaningful networking with presenters, artists, and arts supporters from across the province and beyond. Use this guide to explore what’s happening each day and start planning your week with us.
Please note: The schedule is subject to change.
Thank you to our session sponsors:
Knowledge Café → Trudy Schroeder, Arts and Heritage Solutions
Professional Development Session A → Creative Manitoba
The sessions are colour-coded to help you decide which ones are likely to be of the greatest interest for you.
You are not limited, you are welcome to attend any of them!
Designed for presenters
Designed for artists
Designed for everyone
Time: 7PM – 9PM
Event: Registration at Opening Reception
Location: Winkler Arts and Culture
Staff will be on hand to assist with questions.
Time: 7PM – 9PM
Event: Opening Reception
Location: Winkler Arts and Culture
7:00pm – Appetizers & desserts
7:15pm – Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism (NDP)
7:25pm – Henry Siemens, Mayor of Winkler
7:30pm – Kat Kupca, Board Chair, Manitoba Arts Council
7:50–8:30pm – Guided by the theme of PEACE, participants will explore how the Textile and Fibre Artists of Manitoba (TFAM) interpret ideas and transform them into visual works of fibre art. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, you’ll experiment with a variety of techniques and materials — from stitching and layering to texturing and embellishing — to begin creating your own fibre-based expression of peace.
Time: 7:30PM – 9PM
Event: Song Sharing Circle: For Emerging Artists
Location: Days Inn, 3rd Floor Boardroom
Receive constructive feedback from panelists to help refine your approach and presentation skills.
You must sign up in advance to participate.
Time: 9PM – 11PM
Event: Late Night Networking + Karaoke
Location: Winkler Arts & Culture
Time: 6AM – 10AM
Event: Complimentary Continental Breakfast for Days Inn & Suites guests only
Location: Days Inn, Breakfast Room
Time: 8AM – 3:30PM
Event: Registration
Location: Days Inn, Conference Centre Foyer
Time: 9AM – 9:05AM
Event: Traditional Welcome by Janet Head
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Time: 9AM – 10AM
Event: PD Session A: Leverage the Power of Story, presented by Cate Friesen
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Participants will get hands-on practice, hear industry and regional specific examples, and leave with takeaways and resources that are immediately applicable to their work.
This highly interactive workshop offers up powerful tools that participants can use to articulate their own art/community story and to develop a short ‘elevator pitch’ that opens doors for their arts organization while helping them make connections with community stakeholders and the wider Manitoba arts network.
Time: 9AM – 10AM
Event: PD Session B: Music 101, presented by Rhonda Head
Location: Days Inn, Boardroom
Music Business: Embark on a journey into the heart of the music industry. This comprehensive course is your gateway to unlocking the fundamentals of the music business, empowering you to forge a thriving career as an independent music artist. Gain a firsthand understanding of the intricate processes involved in recording, manufacturing, radio airplay, press reviews, distribution, sales, booking, and promotion of your music.
In this session, you will delve into the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, equipping yourself with essential knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital age:
1. Music Business Foundations: Uncover the core concepts of the music business, including the intricacies of copyright and royalties. Grasp the essential legal and financial aspects that underpin the industry.
2. Maximizing Royalties: Navigate the complex landscape of royalties, learning how to identify and collect royalties from various sources. Discover strategies to ensure you're not leaving any potential earnings on the table.
3. Embarking on Your Journey: Learn the crucial steps to kickstart your career as an independent music artist. From building your brand identity to cultivating your audience, lay the foundation for a successful musical journey.
4. Cracking the Code of Music Streaming: Demystify the realm of music streaming, understanding how platforms like Spotify and Apple Music function. Explore ways to optimize your presence and earnings on these platforms.
5. Monetization on Social Media: Unleash the potential of platforms like Facebook and YouTube by monetizing your music and content. Discover how to effectively capitalize on these avenues to boost your income.
6. Navigating Publishing and Distribution: Gain insights into the intricate world of music publishing and distribution. Learn how to get your music out to the world and ensure it reaches the right ears.
Time: 10:15AM – 11:30AM
Event: PD Session A (contd.): Leverage the Power of Story Part 2, presented by Cate Friesen
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Strategic use of small groups means that participants will have the opportunity to connect meaningfully and strategically within their geographical location and across the Manitoba-wide network. All final learning objectives, as well as options for pre-and post-workshop assignments, will be developed in close collaboration with the client. Here are suggested objectives for further discussion.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
▪ Turn the answer for ‘what you do’ into a relational, authentic, and much more interesting invitation to engage.
▪ Identify or re-articulate your organization’s unique proposition, to expand your reach and visibility.
▪ Practice delivering a 30-60 second elevator pitch about who you are and what your business or organization offers
▪ Connect with others who are passionate about the arts in your region and with the larger network.
▪ Build personal confidence and gain collective clarity.
Time: 10:15AM – 11:30AM
Event: PD Session C: Unlocking Opportunities: Elevating Your Career through Effective Artist Showcasing
Location: Days Inn, Boardroom
In the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry, the art of showcasing is a powerful tool that can propel your career to new heights. Join us in this engaging workshop as we delve into the strategies and insights essential for leveraging artist showcasing as a stepping stone to success.
Highlights of the workshop:
1. Strategic Showcasing Techniques: Discover the art of strategic showcasing and how it can effectively amplify your presence in both local and international arenas. Learn how to curate your performances to resonate with your target audience and leave a lasting impact.
2. Forging Relationships with Agents: Agents can be instrumental in advancing your career. Gain insights into the dynamics of artist-agent relationships, learn how to effectively communicate your vision, and understand the steps to establish fruitful partnerships.
3. Community Engagement and Impact: Beyond the stage, artists hold the power to make a positive impact within communities. Discover how to extend your influence beyond your performances and create meaningful connections with your audience.
4. Expert Perspectives: Our workshop brings together industry experts from renowned organizations such as MB Music, MAN, Manitoba Indigenous Touring Network, and Prairie Debut. Learn directly from those who have successfully navigated the path you aspire to tread.
Time: 11:30AM – 12:30PM
Event: Networking Lunch, hosted by Manitoba Arts Council
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room and Breakfast Room
Time: 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Event: PD Session D: Amplifying Arts in Libraries: Collaborating for Community Engagement with Manitoba Libraries Association, Kirsten Wurmann and Jess Martens, Winkler Branch, South Central Regional Library
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Time: 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Event: PD Session E: Make Room for Art: How Hotels Open Doors for Culture, presented by Synonym Art Consultation, Chloe Chafe and Andrew Eastman
Location: Days Inn, Breakfast Room
Synonym Art Consultation will share lessons from a year-long project with the Manitoba Hotel Association, along with real examples from their Wall-to-Wall Rural Mural Tour—a program that brought murals to rural communities across the province through local collaboration.
Participants will learn:
1. Models for collaboration with private businesses like hotels
2. The importance of documentation and social media strategies
3. How to develop win-win-win collaborative sponsorship proposals
The session includes a short presentation and open discussion, giving delegates a chance to ask questions, share ideas, and leave with tools they can adapt in their own communities.
Time: 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Event: PD Session F: Empowering Artists: Legal Advice on Contracts, Intellectual Property, and Rights, presented by Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts
Location: Days Inn, Boardroom
Time: 1PM – 8PM
Event: Explore & Book: MAN’s 2026 Touring Visual Art Exhibitions
Location: Winkler Arts and Culture
View 2026 Exhibitions
Time: 1:40PM – 3:10PM
Event: Informal discussion: Circle of Connection: Youth, Culture, and Community Collaboration Facilitated by Cheryl Antonio
Location: Days Inn, Breakfast Room
Time: 1:40PM – 3:10PM
Event: PD Session G: Planning for Impact: Tools for Organizational Success, presented by Kris Doull, Regional Manager, Westman, Community Development Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Participants will:
1. Understand options for different types of planning
2. Understand the characteristics of each planning option
3. Gain clarity on which planning approach best aligns with their organization’s current needs and strategic direction
Time: 3:20PM – 4:05PM
Event: Knowledge Café: Round 1
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room and Breakfast Room
TOPICS IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM:
1. Building Stronger Foundations: Exploring Organizational Structures and Capacity Growth | Wendy Petersen, Community Futures Westman
2. Reimagining customer relationships, how to grow and change your audience | David Klassen, Steinbach Arts Council and Kaitlyn Mitchell, Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium
3. Can AI Help Us Stay Human? Marketing Tools for the Arts Sector | Akshay Vaid, MAN Marketing Coordinator
4. Building Community Engagement Projects | Po Yeh, Prairie Debut
5. Tips and Tricks: How to engage your local Municipalities and MLAs | Brendan McKeen & Rob Krause, Manitobans for the Arts (MFTA)
TOPICS IN THE BREAKFAST ROOM:
1. Engaging Everyone: Accessibility as a Shared Value | Jenel Shaw, Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba
2. More with Less: Building Partnerships to Achieve Goals | Katrina Craig, Manitoba Craft Council (MCC)
3. Strategic Planning for What’s Next | Kris Doull, Regional Manager, Westman, Community Development Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations
4. Performance Contracts: What to Include, What to Leave Out, and How to Make Changes | Josh Marantz
Time: 4:05PM – 4:50PM
Event: Knowledge Café: Round 2
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room and Breakfast Room
TOPICS IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM:
1. Building Stronger Foundations: Exploring Organizational Structures and Capacity Growth | Wendy Petersen, Community Futures Westman
2. Reimagining customer relationships, how to grow and change your audience | David Klassen, Steinbach Arts Council and Kaitlyn Mitchell, Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium
3. Can AI Help Us Stay Human? Marketing Tools for the Arts Sector | Akshay Vaid, MAN Marketing Coordinator
4. Building Community Engagement Projects | Po Yeh, Prairie Debut
5. Tips and Tricks: How to engage your local Municipalities and MLAs | Brendan McKeen & Rob Krause, Manitobans for the Arts (MFTA)
TOPICS IN THE BREAKFAST ROOM:
1. Engaging Everyone: Accessibility as a Shared Value | Jenel Shaw, Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba
2. More with Less: Building Partnerships to Achieve Goals | Katrina Craig, Manitoba Craft Council (MCC)
3. Strategic Planning for What’s Next | Kris Doull, Regional Manager, Westman, Community Development Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations
4. Performance Contracts: What to Include, What to Leave Out, and How to Make Changes | Josh Marantz
Time: 5:00PM
Event: Bus to Morden Activity Centre
Location: Days Inn
Time: 5:30PM – 6:45PM
Event: Networking Dinner
Location: Morden Activity Centre
Time: 6:45PM
Event: Bus to P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall
Location: Morden Activity Centre
Time: 7:15PM – 9:15PM
Event: Showcase 1: Live Performances – 5 Professional Artists + 2 Emerging Artists
Location: P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall
See who’s performing when: See the performance lineup by clicking here .
Time: 9:30PM – 10:30PM
Event: Networking Tradeshow - Meet & Connect with Showcase Artists
Location: Days Inn, Conference Centre Foyer
Time: 10:30PM onwards
Event: The Lounge Session: Open Mic & Casual Networking
Location: Days Inn, Conference Centre
Time: 6:30AM – 10:30AM
Event: Complimentary Continental Breakfast for Days Inn & Suites guests only
Location: Days Inn, Breakfast Room
Time: 8AM – 10AM
Event: Registrations
Location: Days Inn, Conference Centre Foyer
Time: 9:15AM – 10:15AM
Event: PD Session A, Part 1: Funders Forum – Unlocking Opportunities for the Arts
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Confirmed funders:
1. Canada Council for the Arts
2. Canadian Heritage
3. Manitoba Arts Council
4. Winnipeg Foundation
Support organizations:
1. Creative Manitoba's Arts Directory
2. Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts
Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Event: PD Session A, Part 2: Funders Forum – Rapid-Fire Connections
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Engage in fast-paced, one-on-one conversations with funders to ask questions, introduce your work, and build funding relationships. After the funders' presentations, attendees can participate in a 10-minute speed dating-style session for one-on-one discussions with funders and experts. The session includes six rotations with different presenters, ensuring efficient and engaging knowledge-sharing. Each presenter will have a sign-up sheet with six time slots, allowing participants to choose their discussions. Members of the same arts organization or band can attend a session together.
This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and receive guidance from funders and industry experts. Attendees will also receive contact information for follow-up opportunities.
Confirmed funders:
1. Canada Council for the Arts
2. Canadian Heritage
3. Manitoba Arts Council
4. Winnipeg Foundation
Support organizations:
1. Creative Manitoba's Arts Directory
2. Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts
Time: 10AM – 3PM
Event: Explore & Book: MAN’s 2026 Touring Visual Art Exhibitions
Location: Winkler Arts and Culture
View 2026 Exhibitions
Time: 11:30AM – 12:30PM
Event: Buffet Lunch + Manitoba Arts Network AGM
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room and Breakfast Room
Time: 12:40PM
Event: Bus to P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall
Location: Days Inn
Time: 1PM – 3PM
Event: Showcase 2: Live Performances – 4 Professional Artists + 2 Emerging Artists
Location: P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall
See who’s performing when: See the performance lineup by clicking here .
Time: 3:15PM – 4PM
Event: Networking Tradeshow - Meet & Connect with Showcase Artists
Location: Days Inn, Conference Centre Foyer
Time: 4PM – 5PM
Event: Spotlight Sessions: 5-Minute Artist Pitches
Location: Days Inn, Conference Centre
Time: 5PM – 7PM
Event: Dinner on Your Own
Location: Recommended nearby option:
Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill (located at Days Inn)
See more Winkler Restaurants
See more Morden Restaurants
Time: 7PM
Event: Bus to P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall
Location: Days Inn
Time: 7:30PM – 9:30PM
Event: Showcase 3: Live Performances – 5 Professional Artists + 1 Emerging Artists
Location: P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall
See who’s performing when: See the performance lineup by clicking here .
Time: 9:45PM – 10:45PM
Event: Networking Tradeshow - Meet & Connect with Showcase Artists
Location: Days Inn, Conference Centre Foyer
Time: 10:45PM
Event: The Lounge Session: Open Mic & Casual Networking
Location: Days Inn, Conference Room
Time: 6:30AM – 10:30AM
Event: Complimentary Continental Breakfast for Days Inn & Suites guests only
Location: Days Inn, Breakfast Room
Time: 11AM – 12PM
Event: Sharing Circle for Emerging Artists, facilitated by Janet Head
Location: Days Inn, Breakfast Room