A Manitoba arts organization that provides grants to local talent will get more funding, the province says.

The Manitoba Arts Council, an independent provincial agency, will receive $13.7 million this year, equivalent to an additional $1 million or an eight per cent increase in annual funding, Premier Wab Kinew announced at a news conference on Friday.

Part of the hope behind the new money is to keep young people in Manitoba, he said.

“I have to think that part of the offer we are making to our children and grandchildren is not only that there will be a great future for you when it comes to jobs and the economy, but that there will also be something exciting creative scene that brings this life to life. province,” Kinew said.

The arts council disburses about $8.4 million in operating support to just over 100 organizations, and $3.5 million in project grants to organizations such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Opera and the Royal Manitoba Theater Centre, the province said in a news release.

Smaller arts organizations and 550 individuals also receive grants from the council, and in 2024, more than 25 new organizations and 40 new individual artist projects will receive support, the province said.

Manitoba Centennial Center Corp. will also receive a funding boost of $500,000, bringing its funding to $3 million.

Manitoba artists help define the province’s identity, Kinew said.

“This is an investment in the arts community. It’s also an investment in the community at large.”