Manitoba Society of Artists

The Manitoba Society of Artists was established in 1902 originally as an organization to recognize the merits of Manitoba’s outstanding artists, to promote and encourage visual artists in Manitoba and to provide a western equivalent to the Ontario Society of Artists. In addition to showing work by its members, the society campaigned for an art gallery and art school in the province and arranged for touring exhibits from institutions outside Winnipeg such as the Chicago Art Institute.
Today, the purpose of the Society is to promote and encourage Manitoba’s emerging and professional visual artists. Members of the Society exhibit together, enjoy social events and participate in educational ventures, such as lectures, slide presentations and workshops. However, the important event of each year is the Provincial Annual Open Juried Competition and Exhibition, which allows both emerging and professional artists an equal opportunity to participate in a major exhibition.