creative industries and new media sector

Key Industries

Creative Industries

Winnipeg is the Cultural Cradle of Canada, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene lauded by media and artists worldwide. The talent is as diverse as the architecture, which draws the creative class here. From bricks and beams, turn-of-the-century structures and neighbourhoods to modern design, the city consistently appeals and inspires skilled creative professionals including:

Architects and designers
Writers and performers
Artists and animators
Actors, skilled film crews and directors
Production companies and agencies

Winnipeg is a hotbed for studios engaged in new media, including digital imaging, animation and special effects, interactive games and audio/visual production.

Winnipeg attracts creative professionals and builds communities with our:

Business Friendly Immigration Policies
Competitive Tax Credit Programs
Growing and Talented Workforce
Diverse and Stable Economy

Education Programs

Sisler High School’s CREATE program offers students three main streams: Graphic Design, Interactive Digital Media, and Motion Picture Arts. By combining technical training from vocational and innovative educators with industry mentorship and internship opportunities, the CREATE program brings job-readiness into focus.
Red River College's new 2-year Game Design and Development program (launching in 2020/2021) combines 3D artists and game programmers in an innovative cross over curriculum allowing for both teams to work together on a fully realized video game. Both programs are designed to produce home grown talent.

Winnipeg Success Stories

Ubisoft Winnipeg

Ubisoft is a triple-A game studio known for its work on gamer favourites, Far Cry and Assassins Creed. Ubisoft prides itself on designing a workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity, which is why it chose to set up in the dense and highly connected Exchange District in the heart of the Winnipeg. Watch this testimonial here.

winnipeg.ubisoft.com

Cartel

Cartel is an LA based feature film & television production and management company with offices in Winnipeg representing top-tier show runners, show creators, writers, directors, producers, talent and production companies in film, TV and new media. They work closely with Hallmark, which has filmed more than 10 movies, using Winnipeg locations and talent.

cartelhq.com

Fast Facts

$1.6B

Total GDP MB
3,400+

Total Businesses, Winnipeg, CMA
20,600

Total number of workers, Winnipeg CMA
41%

of Manitoba production companies are owned by Women

Public Sector Support

Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit – Permanent program provides up to 65 per cent rebate on eligible Manitoba labour expenditures, or 38 per cent on all eligible Manitoba production costs including labour
Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit – Refundable tax credit up to 40 per cent on qualified labour, marketing and distribution
For more information, visit our tax credits page.

Explore Winnipeg's Creative Industries Ecosystem

Explore our interactive map to discover the vibrant ecosystem of creative industry leaders and organizations who have chosen to make Winnipeg their home. Use the map features to navigate various sectors, view company profiles and learn how our city fosters a thriving community of innovation and creativity.