From left to right: Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts law student Jessie Canard (3L) with Kelly Thornton (Artistic Director, RMTC), Elder Barb Nepinak, Audrey Dwyer (Director of Granting, Manitoba Arts Council)
Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts at the Legislature’s Arts and Culture Day
Law students helping artists and creatives in Manitoba succeed
On November 4, 2025, law student and JD Candidate 2026 Jessie Canard (3L) served as an ambassador of the Faculty of Law’s Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts, at an Arts & Culture Day Reception, at the Manitoba Legislature, hosted by the Hon. Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, at the invitation of Manitobans for the Arts.
The gathering brought together government officials, legislators, artists, cultural organizations, and arts supporters to celebrate the vital role the arts and culture sector plays in shaping Manitoba’s economy and identity. The evening powerfully underscored how investing in the arts enriches not only the cultural landscape but also the broader society.
The Reception was in the Golden Boy Room – graced with powerful Indigenous artwork – and provided a meaningful opportunity to connect with many of the inspiring individuals who shape Manitoba’s vibrant arts community.
Reflecting on the evening, Jessie Canard (3L), who is also a practicing visual artist, shared:
“Before getting into law, I was living as a full-time artist. Attending the event was uplifting. Witnessing the recognition the arts were receiving for their impact on our communities and economies filled my heart. The fact that, from 2023 to 2024, the arts supported 20,000 jobs and generated $477 million in tourism revenue is something worth celebrating. I loved being an artist, and knowing that others are living that dream—and that this province can support it—makes me so happy for the youth who want to live the artist life. It is possible and will take you places you’d never imagine. If it weren’t for the arts, I would have never gotten into law.”
Meaningful conversations
Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts law student Jessie Canard (3L) with Premier Wab Kinew.
Some of the meaningful connections made by Jessie Canard on behalf of the Clinic included conversations with Premier Wab Kinew, Hon. Glen Simard, Hon. Jamie Moses, Hon, Nellie Kennedy and many others, all who already either knew or were interested in the free legal work that law students at the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts do everyday to support artists, creatives, arts and culture organizations with free legal services, across all of Manitoba.
Arts and Culture: Significant Contributions to Manitoba’s Economy
Attendees were reminded by Premier Kinew and Minister Kennedy of the significant role Arts and Culture play in Manitobans’ well-being and the provincial economy. A recent report and survey by the Manitoba Arts Council confirms the sector contributes more than $1.75B annually to the Manitoba economy. A summary of the report and survey is available online at: Arts & culture adds more than $1.75B to Manitoba’s economy: new report – Manitoba Arts Council.
Arts Deserve to Be Supported by Everyone
All attendees that the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts met during the event agreed that everyone should support Arts and Culture in Manitoba. Arts are part of the cultural DNA of every Manitoban. Manitoba has always been known for and enjoys a rich history of creativity and cultural diversity.
Jessie Canard (3L) with Hon. Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation).
Those not already familiar with the Clinic learned that it is run by University of Manitoba law students. They support artists, creatives, and arts and cultural organizations that do not have a lawyer or cannot afford legal assistance anywhere in Manitoba, and they do it for free. Experienced lawyers supervise all client work done by law students. Through its work, the Clinic and law students help remove barriers by offering assistance on a wide range of matters, including assisting artists to better understand intellectual property, their rights, contracts and more, all of which are needed by artists to protect their creative work and support their livelihoods, regardless of income or location. As Manitoba’s only dedicated legal clinic that provides services tailored specifically to the creative sector, the Clinic serves clients anywhere in Manitoba who have internet access. By using technology to overcome lack of services, affordability, accessibility, and geographic challenges, ensures support for individuals and communities is available province-wide, including, whenever in-person outreach – especially in rural, remote areas in the North — is not always possible, or accessible, or where there may be no lawyers, in the comfort of their own community.
Vital to Identity and Sovereignty
Arts and Culture are essential to strengthening cultural identity and sovereignty. Increasing equity and access to free legal services directly supports individuals, communities and contributes to a strong creative sector that benefits everyone, including the Manitoba economy.
The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts looks forward to expanding its community outreach, recognizing the value of the services it provides, and building trusted connections across diverse communities, including in Northern Manitoba.
Manitobans for the Arts
Manitobans for the Arts and the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts have a lot in common, including shared goals. Manitobans for the Arts is a non-profit advocating for arts, culture, and heritage by building relationships, engaging the public, and promoting a unified voice for all creative industries in the province.
The celebration at the Legislature was also part of Manitobans for the Arts’ larger campaign, Art Doesn’t Just Happen — an initiative aimed at inspiring Manitobans to reflect on and share how the arts shape their lives. Through social media, storytelling, and community engagement, the campaign invites grassroots participation across the province. Manitobans are encouraged to post their own artistic experiences online by tagging @ManitobansForTheArts and using the hashtag #MakeArtHappen. As part of the campaign, participants can also enter a contest to win a trip to Churchill, Manitoba. The contest closes on January 25, 2026. For full details, visit makearthappen.ca.
If interested in supporting Arts and Culture in Manitoba, consider becoming a member of Manitobans for the Arts.
The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts is proud to be a member of Manitobans for the Arts, and stands with and next to others that are supporting Arts and Culture in Manitoba, and advocating for a culture of support and positive change to help Artists of all genres in Manitoba every day.
Learn more about Manitobans for the Arts.
Learn more about the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts.