A new annual winter festival is set to light up Winnipeg’s Exchange District thanks to federal funding, Exchange District BIZ announced Saturday.
Under tourism relief funds from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairieCan), Exchange District Bizz received $428,625 to install the lights on the Exchange – Allumez le Quartier.
“The ‘Lights on the Exchange’ celebration brings a unique experience for visitors from near and far to enjoy. By drawing visitors and residents to Winnipeg’s downtown core, it will support local businesses and those in the historic Exchange District,” PrairiesCan said Federal Minister Dan Vandal.
“As Winnipeggers, we embrace winter and all it has to offer. Through this Tourism Relief Fund investment, our government will provide new opportunities for people to enjoy Winnipeg arts, culture and food scenes throughout the season is supporting.
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The new festival hopes to create a new draw for tourism in the province, drawing inspiration from international festivals around the world to create an annual light-based art and design festival.
“The Exchange District is a unique urban neighborhood in Canada with an unrivaled collection of historic buildings that tell the story of Winnipeg’s profound contribution to the rise of the Canada West,” said David Pensato, executive director of the Exchange District BIZ.
“Creating a new arts festival at the end of winter brings significant attention to our community while expanding on the history told to include artworks by and about Canada’s frontier communities.”
More information about the new festival can be found online.
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