Fall classes quickly filled up at Steinbach Arts Council and names were added to the waiting list. 

“We are probably busier than we have been in many years, even pre-pandemic,” says Executive Director David Klassen. “I think people are so excited to come back and it's been a while since they've been able to interact in these class settings. And our class numbers are really high. Most of our classes are actually full.” 

With the various visual and performing arts classes, Klassen says the building is full of activity. 

“We just don't have the capacity to run anymore classes, or we don't have any more space,” he says. “But we do launch a whole new set of classes in winter.” 

Klassen notes the After School Arts Program (ASAP) is also thriving. 

Thanks to successful fundraisers and community support, these classes are offered at no cost to students grades five to 12. 

“Based on the 50/50 for Kids Campaign, for the last couple of years, we have been able to raise a significant amount of funding which helps us run these classes,” says Klassen. “They are group classes. They're a little different than everything else, they're bringing kids together with common interests and it's free for our community to do, from grades five to grade 12. So, it really is about breaking those barriers, making sure that everyone feels like they have a place at the arts center and that they are able to explore and build their own skills through arts recreation.” 

Wellness programming is also an area that Klassen says SAC wants to expand on. 

“We're working at launching some more pilot projects for wellness exploring, what that looks like for people who will want to be creative through that wellness experience," he says. "So, there are lots of opportunities.” 

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