“Bridging the Gap” invites community to help sustain the festival following end of TD title sponsorship
November 5, 2026 — Winnipeg, MB — Jazz Winnipeg has launched Bridging the Gap, a $200,000 community fundraising campaign following the end of TD’s longstanding title sponsorship of the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival.
Running through December 31, the campaign will provide support as Jazz Winnipeg navigates rising costs, secures new partnerships and builds and builds a sustainable future for one of Winnipeg's signature cultural events.
After decades of partnership, TD has ended its title sponsorship as part of a broader shift affecting several jazz festivals across Canada. Jazz Winnipeg is grateful for TD’s longstanding support, which helped the festival grow into an important part of Winnipeg’s cultural life and supported free programming during the annual festival. The sponsorship transition follows a challenging festival year.
Bridging the Gap aims to raise $200,000 in one-time community support, giving Jazz Winnipeg the stability and time needed to diversify its funding, develop new partnerships and build a more resilient future.
“For more than 35 years, Winnipeggers have helped build something special. They've filled our stages, volunteered their time, discovered new artists and made the festival part of this city's cultural life,” says Angela Heck, Executive Director, Jazz Winnipeg. “We're asking our community to help us through an important transition so we can keep creating those experiences for years to come.”
“As at time where expressing Canadian stories and values through art and music is more important than ever, we have a tremendous opportunity to support Manitoba artists, be a catalyst for community to gather and celebrate, and continue to be an active part of the creative ecosystem that propels Canadian talent into a global marketplace,” adds Heck.
MORE THAN SIX DAYS OF MUSIC
For more than 35 years, Jazz Winnipeg has brought world-class musicians, emerging artists and thousands of music lovers together through live music.
Best known for producing the annual Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, Jazz Winnipeg also presents year-round concerts and creates opportunities for artist development, export development, youth education and mentorship.
In 2026, Jazz Winnipeg welcomed more than 30,000 attendees across the festival and year-round programming, including weekly concerts in partnership with the Fort Garry Hotel.
Highlights from the 2026 Winnipeg International Jazz Festival include:
24,000+ attendees across 55 shows
31 free performances at Old Market Square
57 artists from eight countries
41 Manitoba artists
268 volunteers contributing 2,732+ hours
Jazz Winnipeg also works with organizations across the city, including the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Manitoba Opera and Winnipeg Art Gallery, to expand opportunities for artists and audiences.
Support through Bridging the Gap will help:
Keep live music free and accessible
Create opportunities for Manitoba artists and young musicians
Strengthen year-round programming and community partnerships
Build a sustainable future for the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival
“We have a plan to diversify our funding, build new partnerships and strengthen the organization for the long term,” says Heck. “Bridging the Gap will give us the stability and time we need to put that plan into action.”
HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP
There are several ways to be part of Bridging the Gap. Winnipeggers can make a one-time donation (or monthly donations), bid on items and experiences in the online silent auction, attend The Big Winter Warm-Up fundraising concert on December 11, become a sponsor or help spread the word. The campaign runs through December 31, 2026.
Learn more and get involved at jazzwinnipeg.com/bridging-the-gap.
About Jazz Winnipeg: Founded in 1989, Jazz Winnipeg is a charitable arts organization dedicated to building pathways to belonging through music. Jazz Winnipeg is a registered Canadian charity #125835660 RR0001.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Mitch Kruse, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Jazz Winnipeg
marketing@jazzwinnipeg.com | 204.894.0394 | jazzwinnipeg.com
