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

We are looking for artists of all disciplines to be part of MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts 2015.

The theme for MayWorks 2015 is Celebrating Labour History, the struggles and the victories and the changes made possible through the union movement. Mayworks draws on both the historical and contemporary experience of art that reflects the working class and the struggle for social change.

MayWorks was first established as a Festival of Labour and the Arts in Winnipeg in 1994. There are MayWorks Festivals in other Canadian cities in May and all celebrate the contributions of working people through various forms of artistic expressions, displays or other relevant expressions.

MayWorks is open to all who share this vision.

All artists, organizations or anyone proposing an event are asked to submit their proposal by February 6, 2015 to MayWorks at info@mayworks.org. To receive a proposal form contact MayWorks at info@mayworks.org

As MayWorks 2014 comes to a close we would like to send out a thank you to all of the performers, organizers, workers, unions, media and supporters that have helped make this another successful year.

We hope that the message of this year helps bring support and recognition to the many workers of our great city and that we go forward, continuing to cross boundaries and defy restrictions.

See you in 2015!

The success of the Pete Seeger Tribute concert and the Festival of Mandolins rounded out last week. Coming this week is the launch of the book “Winnipeg’s General Strike: Reports from the front lines” at McNally Robinson on Thursday, May 15th. For those interested in the history of the Strike there is also the 1919 Strike Tour on Sunday, May 25th. Full information on these and other events can be found in the calendar of events or you can download the calendar.

MayWorks is off to a great start with the holding of the annual May Day March followed by a successful May Day Cabaret at the King’s Head Pub.

An exciting week is in store and it features one of the highlights of the Festival – the tribute concert to the late Pete Seeger featuring some of Winnipeg’s finest musicians on Friday, May 9. And on Saturday, May 10 MayWorks features one of its signature events: The Festival of Mandolins.

Monday, May 5
Cinco De Mayo Poetry
7 p.m.
McNally Robinson Booksellers in the Atrium
1120 Grant Avenue
Admission is free

A people’s holiday event featuring Mexican Poetry read in Spanish by Liliana Romanowski and in English by John H. Baillie. Also new and selected poetry by Winnipeg activist poet Ron Romanowski author of Incantations from the Republic of Fire

For more information contact Ron Romanowski at 204-667-6802.

Thursday, May 8
Open House: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba office
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Social Enterprise Centre
765 Main St.
Refreshments served

Celebrate CCPA’s community-based and labour research and new location! CCPA is pleased to join Winnipeg’s social cluster at the Social Enterprise Centre. The Social Enterprise Centre, is an innovation cluster for social enterprises (SE), formed and operated by the three social enterprise partners: BUILD, Manitoba Green Retrofit, and Pollock’s Hardware Cooperative.

Thursday, May 8 (and other dates – see below)
“Labour of Love” Art Exhibit and Musical Performances
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Featuring Jamil the DJ
Studio Wall
8-791 Wall Street
Free Event

Celebrate the works of West End Artists in their “Labour of Love” with the blank canvas, songbook and dance floor. Featuring Artwork by Sue Hoang and Wai Tien and Musical Performances from Jamil the DJ, Jonathan Seburn and local guest DJs and musicians.

“Labour of Love” continues with performances on:

Friday, May 9 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with Jamil the DJ;
Thursday, May 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Jamil the DJ
Friday, May 23 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 24 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with DJ Jonathan Seburn

For more information 204-807-6989

Friday, May 9
Pete Seeger Tribute Concert
Doors at 7 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Muriel Richardson Auditorium
Tickets $20 available at Organic Planet, Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store or at the Door

Featuring: Heather Bishop, Leonard Podolak, Nathan Rogers, Sweet Alibi, Jessee Havey, Red Moon Road, Keith Dyck

Saturday, May 10
Festival of Mandolins
8 p.m.
Ukrainian Labour Temple – 595 Pritchard
Tickets $15 at the door

The Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra and guest performers present the Festival of Mandolins at one of Winnipeg’s most historic and unique venues.

For more information contact Brent Stearns at 204-488-1008