Manitoba Hellenic Cultural Centre

Canadians are proud of living in a multicultural society. Being citizens of a country that is made up largely of immigrants and descendants of immigrants, Canadians hold dear the traditions of their homelands. Preserving these traditions has become an important part of Canadian culture.

The Manitoba Hellenic Cultural Centre, currently under construction in Winnipeg, continues to add to the city's rich cultural tapestry. The centre will act as a hub of community activity for Winnipeg's Greek community.

Funded in part by the federal and provincial governments, the Centre is one of five similar cultural projects identified by the City of Winnipeg as a priority for funding under the previous CMIP.

The cultural centre is being built adjacent to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on Grant Avenue. Artwork, such as originals and replicas of paintings, pottery and sculpture dating back to the Byzantine era-a small sample of which is displayed at St. Demetrios-will find a new home at the Hellenic Centre's galleria.

In addition to the galleria, the cultural centre will include classrooms, a conference room and a large multipurpose room. The Hellenic Cultural Centre will be home to Greek language classes, cultural events, art exhibits, and lectures and exhibits on a multitude of issues. Once the doors are open, it is expected that 13,000 people will use the new facility each year.

The goals of the cultural centre include providing a space for community activities, teaching Greek language and culture and promoting Hellenic ideals, such as education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence.

The project has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of Winnipeg's Greek community, made up of about 3,000 people of Greek descent. The community eagerly awaits the opening of the Manitoba Hellenic Cultural Centre, scheduled for summer 2008.