New grants promise free entertainment for Manitobans hunkering at home

The Manitoba government is trying to persuade people to stay in their homesby offeringfree entertainment.

The province is giving $3 million to organizations and businesses thatcreate programs that support stay-at-home effortsduring the COVID-19 pandemic, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox and Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires announced on Monday.

Some examplesfundedthrough the safe at home Manitoba program includea pre-filmedvariety showfrom the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centreand a gingerbread house-making exercise from Skills Manitoba.

The new grant programwill be promotedthrough social media, using several messages, including: "We all have someone to stay home for."

The campaign is borne out of an acknowledgement that stay-at-home orders are tough on people's mental health and well-being, a government official said.

Live-streaming shows eligible for cash

Other activities eligible for fundingmayinclude the live streaming of performing arts, cookingclasses, at-home fitness programs and home-based art programs for children.

Festival du Voyageur will offerprogramming at home and Sport Manitoba will develop games and activities that encourage fundamental movement.

The funded programs must be freeto participate inand must be delivered on an urgent basis.

The programs may be newor could be modifications toexisting programs, such as removing fees so anyone can take part. The grant may also fund equipment, suppliesor any other costs related to program delivery.

United Way of Winnipeg, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the Manitoba Arts Council, Sport Manitoba and the Winnipeg Foundation will helppromote the program and dole out grants. A maximum of $50,000 will beavailable, though an organization can submit more than one project.

The province will prioritize projects that encourage Manitobans to stay home andenjoy a high participation rate.

Municipalities, First Nations, local authorities, businesses, non-profits and charities, government agencies, post-secondary institutions and individual artists may all apply.