Steinbach Arts Council proud of the work they are doing

2023 was a fantastic year for the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC). 

SAC Executive Director David Klassen says a highlight of this year is that they discovered that they are filling a need in the community. 

“People are coming to us with a desire to engage in our programs and we are matching that need with the appropriate programs,” he says. “We're meeting the needs of the community and we're really feeling like the corporate community and the community at large are here with us and benefiting from the services that we're providing.” 

He also says staffing has been great this past year.  

“We have such a strong team of people who are dedicated to working for our community and making opportunities happen for that community.” 

They have also been able to complete a couple of renovation projects thanks to grants over the last number of years. 

“I think one of the most exciting things that I've seen evolve over the last few years is just internal health of the organization. Grant money through the pandemic allowed us to invest in those bits and pieces that the general public doesn't always see,” he says, “So governance policy, or updated bylaws, or strategic planning, or creating goals for the organization, that sort of thing.” 

Klassen says they are utilizing every inch of space in their building. 

“We have increased our programs significantly over the last number of years. When we look back to 2018, which would be a programming year prior to the pandemic, we are back on target in terms of forward growth momentum.” 

On the flip side, they have faced a few challenges this year. 

He says one of the main hurdles that they continue to work through is facilitating a large amount of programming with their limited amount of space. 

“We are constantly looking for creative ways to increase what we're able to provide for the community within the square footage that we have. We are looking for ways to run programming even outside of our building.” 

Another challenge they are facing is a slower rebound post-pandemic in the world of performing arts and concert presentation. 

“We continue to pivot as needed with our concert programming, and yet we feel great about the quality of concerts that we're able to bring in, and people seem to be very happy with what we are presenting overall.” 

He adds that they are finally restoring the community production component of what it is that the community finds so important.  

“This upcoming winter you'll see the first steps in restoring that.” 

With files from Kenton Dyck

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