Filipino creatives shape Manitoba’s arts scene

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

April Carandang and Rainbow Hunting photo walk participants gather by Ai Weiwei’s Forever Bicycles on the berm near CN Field at The Forks. Photo by Joan Ballester	Violent Affection–singers Brady Barrientos and Kris Cahatol–blends jazz-pop piano and indie-folk influences, creating a playful style inspired by artists ranging from Carole King to Chappell Roan. (Photo by Rein Cabalquinto)	Jovelle Balani takes a break during a session at the No Fun Club recording studio for her sophomore album, Buy Yourself the Damn Flowers. Photo by Jericho Vero	Lourdes Still reinterprets her original 12 Dips of Blue for the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s new exhibit, Terra Cognita / Incognita (Revisiting the Landscape). Photo by Salvador Maniquiz

Manitoba’s Filipino artists, performers, and cultural organizers have been busy this summer, creating opportunities for connection through dance, visual art, music, photography, theatre, and literature. Recent events and upcoming programs highlight the talent and creativity that continue to shape our cultural landscape.

One of the season’s major exhibitions is Terra Cognita / Incognita (Revisiting the Landscape) at WAG-Qaumajuq. The exhibition brings together more than 100 works from the gallery’s permanent collection exploring representations of the land across cultures and generations. Flower grower and natural dyer Lourdes Still is one of four contemporary artists commissioned to create new works for the exhibition, which opened on August 20 and runs until November 1, 2027.

In music, Jovelle Balani recently completed a series of performances through Sofar Sounds, Fringe Theatre Festival, Killarney Lake Festival, and Downtown Live, a Downtown Winnipeg BIZ program that brought local talent into public spaces across the city. Jovelle is now working on her sophomore album, Buy Yourself the Damn Flowers, with support from Manitoba Film and Music.

World Photography Day was marked by Out There Winnipeg’s first-ever photo walk, Rainbow Hunting, led by photographer April Carandang. Combining a scavenger hunt with a photography workshop, the event encouraged participants to discover Winnipeg’s colourful side before gathering at The Forks Market to share their favourite images.

As summer winds down, Manitoba’s arts community is looking ahead to an exciting lineup of upcoming events. On September 23, Winnipeg pop-folk duo Violent Affection will perform at The Leaf After Dark at Assiniboine Park. Singers Brady Barrientos and Kris Cahatol combine a love of collaboration, queer expression, and humour in their music.

Meanwhile, UNIT Productions and ANAK Publishing will launch Places We Go, a bilingual Tagalog-English graphic novel by Hazel Venzon and David Oro, on September 26 as part of UNIT Productions’ 10th anniversary celebrations.

September will also spotlight Filipino artists and culture. Manitoba Showcase 2026, taking place September 17 to 20 in Brandon, will feature Filipinx artists The Ranger System, Mary Diosa, and Harvey Nichol. The Manitoba Arts Network is inviting Filipino artists and cultural workers to attend the opening reception free of charge. Around the same time, the Kultivation Festival will present art exhibitions, music, dance, and community events from September 19 to 26.

Theatre audiences are in for a big treat with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of Cyrano de Bergerac. Stephanie Sy will star as Roxanne in a contemporary adaptation of the beloved classic. Stephanie’s portrayal of the character in Edmonton last summer earned strong reviews, and Winnipeg audiences will have the opportunity to see her take on the role when the production opens RMTC’s season from October 7 to November 1.

Together, these events and many more showcase the strength and vitality of Filipino artists in the province. From gallery exhibitions and public performances to cultural festivals and theatre productions, Filipino creators continue to enrich community life in Manitoba.