Manitoba's arts, culture, and sports programs are about to get a big boost from the province. 

"We're announcing an innovative and historic new program to support Manitoba's art, culture, and sports sectors," says Premier Stefanson outside of the Bourkevale Community Centre in Winnipeg Monday afternoon. "Manitoba is home to an incredible array of artists, athletes, creators and producers, that, through their work, help us to honour our past, reflect on our diversity, and celebrate our community spirit and what the future holds."

Stefanson announced that over the course of the next three years, arts and sports organizations will be given $100 million to enhance their programs and community involvement. 

"Manitoba is renowned as a centre of artistic excellence and supporting amateur sporting events. Today we take another step forward to ensure these sections can continue to do what they do best."

The amount given by the government of Manitoba is a part of Budget 2022 'Recover Together.'

"This historic $100 million fund will provide grants to support the arts, culture, and amateur sports sectors," says Stefanson. "This year the fund will flow up to $34 million to community organizations to build capacity within these sectors to better meet the needs of Manitobans."

The announcement included people from a few of the arts, cultural, and sports programs already running in Winnipeg. 

"Non-profits and registered charities, artists, cultural creators, participants in cultural industries, heritage and archival organizations, Indigenous, ethnocultural, and community organizations all will be able to access this fund."

All of the above-mentioned organizations and groups will be able to apply for a grant from the government for this fund starting August 16. 

"In our great province you will find at the heart of our communities are diverse networks of art, culture, and sports organizations that provide Manitobans with opportunities to share and grow together," says Andrew Smith, the Minister of Sports Culture and Heritage. "Manitoba artists, cultural creators, and athletes create content and deliver programming, activities, and engagement opportunities that enhance education, physical and mental health, and wellness and community inclusion."

Smith goes on to share that during the pandemic when people weren't allowed to play organized sports or put on concerts, it became evident how much people missed and needed these outlets. 

"The loss of these experiences and closure of these facilities during this time also highlighted the tremendous social and economic impacts that arts, culture, and sports have on our citizens."

The fund offers three avenues organizations can apply for. These include capital projects, community celebrations, and small capital and special initiatives that can receive between 50 and 100 per cent of expenses.