Welcome to Mayworks 2015!

MayWorks draws on both the historical and contemporary experience of art that reflects the working class and the struggle for social change. It is held in Winnipeg each year in the month of May to honour and promote the many positive contributions made by unions and working people. The first MayWorks Festival was organized as part of the celebrations to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike in 1994. Since then we have continued to hold the Festival in the month of May as part preserving and developing culture which reflects the struggles to defend and extend the social, political and economic rights of all. It is fitting that the theme for MayWorks 2015 is Celebrating Labour History. It is in recognition of the significant role the labour movement has played in the struggle for social progress. In the program you will find a feature on the labour movement which delves into a part of this history and some of the significant achievements. And, in terms of further contributing to the history of the Winnipeg General Strike, this year MayWorks will be unveiling a memorial to the other worker known to have to have been killed in the events of Bloody Saturday June 21, 1919. The unveiling on June 20th culminates a long effort to reclaim these two workers who were all but forgotten by the “official” history of the General Strike. No introduction to the Festival would be complete without recognizing the importance of the union support we receive and the artists who have responded to be part of the Festival. Whatever your interest we invite you to come and participate in the events that are part of this year’s MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts.

Glenn Michalchuk
President – MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts