Manitoba Opera

Travel Manitoba: Celebrating Manitoba’s Culture

Feb 28, 2024

Last November, in the heart of Manitoba, the world premiere of Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North celebrated Métis culture and drew visitors from far and wide. The celebration showcased Manitoba’s vibrant cultural community and its ability to attract national and international attention.

Over the years, Travel Manitoba has made efforts to shine the spotlight on Manitoba’s cultural richness. Winnipeg’s vibrant cultural tapestry is woven from many different threads and diverse influences, with a mosaic of cultural communities and groups. The city’s arts community is highly supportive, from galleries and theaters committed to showcasing local talent to dedicated patrons, all of which provides a nurturing space for local artists. Travel Manitoba values artistic expression and promotes Manitoba as a dynamic destination, where exciting cultural experiences await. To that end, Travel Manitoba was a key supporter of Li Keur.

As a Crown Corporation driving sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.8 billion tourism industry, Travel Manitoba collaborates with the tourism sector, leads marketing initiatives, provides visitor information services, conducts research initiatives, and showcases Manitoba’s diverse tourism offerings.

And Manitoba’s artistic scene certainly offers a plethora of talent to promote. With the cast, adult and children’s choruses, fiddlers, dancers, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, there were over 130 artists appearing on stage and in the pit for every performance of Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North alone.

This Indigenous-led production not only introduced audiences to Indigenous artists, but also reflected Métis stories, fostering community pride and connection. Supporting diverse cultural expressions contributes to a more inclusive narrative, creating a sense of belonging for all residents, attracting visitors seeking authentic and diverse experiences, and ultimately driving tourism growth throughout the province of Manitoba.

By backing initiatives like Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, Travel Manitoba highlights the role of the arts in shaping community identity and pride, ensuring Manitoba remains a beacon of cultural vibrancy.

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