BRIDGING THE GAP — MEDIA HUB

Media resources, campaign information and interview opportunities for Jazz Winnipeg’s Bridging the Gap campaign.

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CAMPAIGN SUMMARY

Jazz Winnipeg has launched Bridging the Gap, a $200,000 community fundraising campaign to help navigate an important funding transition and build a stronger, more sustainable future.

Like many arts organizations, Jazz Winnipeg is facing rising costs and a changing funding landscape, including the end of a longstanding title sponsorship of the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival.

Running through December 31, 2026, the campaign will help Jazz Winnipeg diversify revenue, develop new partnerships and continue supporting accessible live music, Manitoba artists, young musicians and year-round programming.

KEY MESSAGES

  • $200,000 fundraising goal by December 31

  • More than 35 years of live music and community connection

  • 24,000+ attendees at the 2026 Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

  • 31 free performances at Old Market Square

  • 41 Manitoba artists presented in 2026

  • Maintaining free and accessible live music

  • Creating paid opportunities for Manitoba artists

  • Investing in young and emerging musicians

  • Strengthening year-round programming and partnerships

  • Building a more diversified and sustainable future for Jazz Winnipeg

Campaign: jazzwinnipeg.com/bridging-the-gap

DOWNLOADS: MEDIA RESOURCES + ASSETS

Media assets available upon request: Editorial photos, festival B-roll footage, logos, etc.

2026 IMPACT AT A GLANCE

  • The 2026 Winnipeg International Jazz Festival welcomed more than 24,000 attendees across 55 shows, including 31 free performances at Old Market Square.

  • The festival presented 57 artists from eight countries, including 41 Manitoba artists, while 268 volunteers contributed more than 2,732 hours.

  • Beyond the festival, Jazz Winnipeg presents year-round concerts and supports artist development, youth education, mentorship and community partnerships.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

Jazz Winnipeg can coordinate interviews and background conversations related to:

  • The Bridging the Gap campaign

  • The changing funding landscape for arts organizations

  • The future of the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

  • Free and accessible live music

  • Manitoba artist development and paid performance opportunities

  • Youth music education and mentorship

  • Winnipeg’s live music ecosystem

  • Year-round Jazz Winnipeg programming

  • Community partnerships and audience development

ANGELA HECK — Executive Director, Jazz Winnipeg

Available to discuss the campaign, Jazz Winnipeg’s funding transition, organizational sustainability, partnerships, accessible programming and the future of Jazz Winnipeg.

JENNIFER HANSON — Winnipeg musician and performer

Available to discuss Jazz Winnipeg from an artist perspective, including the importance of local stages, paid performance opportunities and a healthy Winnipeg music community.

Additional artists, educators, volunteers and community partners can be made available depending on the story angle.

BIG WINTER WARM-UP

Friday, December 11, 2026 | The Park Theatre

The Big Winter Warm-Up brings together musicians from across Winnipeg’s music community for a one-night fundraising concert in support of Bridging the Gap.

EVENT + TICKET INFORMATION »

MEDIA CONTACT

Mitch Kruse
Communications Specialist
Jazz Winnipeg

marketing@jazzwinnipeg.com
204.894.0394

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