Submitted by Holiday Alley
The adage that it takes a village to raise a child also applies to how to grow a festival, and thanks to new partners, Holiday Alley is heading into its ninth year with some exciting ways to celebrate art.
“For the first time in our history, we’re honoured to receive a Manitoba Arts Council grant for Holiday Alley, which has us over the moon proud,” said Lois Wales, President of Red River North Tourism, which operates Holiday Alley.
“And it came just in time to help us grow and expand the Straw Sculpture Symposium, which brings together artists and local schools to create giant straw sculptures that are then burned on the waterfront on the final night of the festival,” Wales said
The Manitoba Arts Council funds the creation and sharing of arts and culture for the benefit of all Manitobans. The grants offered by MAC are housed in the six streams: create, share, learn, support, recognize and Indigenous programming.
One of Holiday Alley’s long time advisors and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Jeannie White Bird, has also received a MAC grant to allow her to bring tipis, teachings, and Elders to downtown Selkirk for Holiday Alley in 2025. Patlee Creary, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The StoryBridge Network, has also received a MAC grant to expand the Newcomers’ Storytelling Café, which takes place at Holiday Alley.
Although Holiday Alley is held in November, fundraising starts 11 months earlier when we start looking for partners who also believe in art, culture, and creativity, and can help us create meaningful ways for children and adults to celebrate their artistic side, says Holiday Alley Co-founder Shirley Muir.
“Businesses in our community can help grow the festival by becoming a sponsor. For example, we’re looking for a sponsor to bring unicorns to Holiday Alley. Anyone out there interested in that?” Muir said. “And we need sponsors for the Street Party, live music, and more”. There’s lots of room for everyone to help advance art, to help strengthen our creative side, and continue to revitalize Selkirk’s historic downtown.”
Another way to contribute is by bringing a creative event — like a food-focused activity — to Holiday Alley. For example, Nobuz Market, a new downtown business specializing in alcohol-free beverages, is participating this year.
“There are lots of ways to get involved – and this is the moment,” say Andraea Sartison and Victoria Hill, Holiday Alley Festival Producers. “We’re starting to nail down the program now, so if any of these art forward ideas speak to your heart, please contact us now,” added Sartison.
To contribute cash, time, or talent, contact Victoria Hill at holidayalleymb@gmail.com
