Entering their 20th year, the MayWorks Festival of Labour & the Arts joins festivals across the country to honour working class culture through song, dance, film, and interactive events. The 2013 festival theme “Another World is Possible” takes place at various venues in Winnipeg from April 26 – June 1.
The festival engages local community to celebrate the history of social movements, while leading and inspiring social change. MayWorks President, Glenn Michalchuk, remarks that, “as the world continues to experience shockwaves from the deep economic crisis of capitalism many are looking for a way out. “Another World is Possible” is the theme of MayWorks 2013…[recognizing] the growing awareness — from the Occupy Movement to Idle No More – that the current world order is unsustainable.”
Over 20 events during MayWorks are hosted by co-ops, unions, and venues throughout the city. The annual May Day March on May 1, in recognition of International Working Class Day, is followed by a performance cabaret at Mondragon Bookstore and Coffeehousefeaturing Pat McGuire, Annharte (Marie Baker), Pat Krawec, Sara Kreindler, and RasTamils. Meanwhile, during the month of May, visitors to the Millennium Library can view the traveling Postcard Art exhibit which features mail-in art from around the world.
The festival highlight is an intimate concert celebrating folk legend Pete Seeger, who’s songs and music is considered the soundtrack for civil rights and anti-war movements. At this May 24th performance at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, local talent Jessee Havey, Leonard Podolak, Nathan Rogers, Rob Varrmeyer, trio Red Moon Road and others will showcase Seeger’s many contributions to the various struggles for social justice.
MayWorks 2013 is dedicated to the memory of academic, politician, and activist Errol Black (1939-2012).The first MayWorks festival was held as part of the celebrations organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the Winnipeg General strike in 1994.
