The Exchange District BIZ

Indecent
2025-02-12 19:30 - 2025-03-08 16:00 (America/Winnipeg) | 174 Market Avenue, 174 Market Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B 0T9
“INDECENT is the tonic for anyone’s cynicism. It reminds me of why I love the theatre so much.” – Broadway World
From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel comes a stunning play about one of the most shocking events in theatre history. Indecent tells the true story of the rise and explosive demise of the 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s The God of Vengeance, where its producer and entire cast were arrested on the grounds of obscenity.
Asch’s play originated in Poland in 1907, and while criticized by his peers, it wowed audiences across Europe and in New York’s Yiddish theatre scene. But when an English translation opens on Broadway, the play’s inclusion of the first same-sex kiss on an American stage proves too scandalous for the public. Told through music, song, dance and comedy, Indecent is an arresting play about forbidden love, artistic censorship and the enduring power of theatre.

Primavera Exhibition by Ana Martinez
2025-02-13 11:00 - 2025-03-04 17:00 | Cre8ery, 125 Adelaide Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3AOW4, Canada
“Primavera” explores a wonderful relationship with nature, focusing on a world of inclusivity and colour. The functional Ceramic Spring collection, takes a main reference from the national tree of El Salvador the “Maquilishuat”, the name comes from Nahuatl, where “ macuil” mens “five” and “isguat” means “leaf”. Referring to the five folios that make up its leaves. It is a symbol of beauty, culture and identity for the people of El Salvador.
Ana M. Rivera Cortez was born in El Salvador, and migrated to Canada when she was 13 years old, she is fluent in Spanish and English. Her professional career as a professional photographer expands over 13 years, giving her knowledge and extensive experience in portraiture and light composition, enriching her knowledge by taking workshops in New York City and Italy.

Breath Work + Sound Bath Workshop
2025-02-13 19:00 - 20:30 | 66 King St., 66 King St. 7th Floor - The Warehouse, Winnipeg, R3B 1H6, Canada
Join us for an evening of deep relaxation and inner connection as we combine the transformative power of breath work and sound therapy. This workshop is designed to help you release stress, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself in a calming and supportive environment.
You’ll experience:
✨ Guided breath work to calm the mind and reduce stress
✨ A soothing sound bath with crystal singing bowls attuned to the chakras
✨ Moments of stillness and reflection to nourish your soul
Whether you’re new to breath work or a seasoned practitioner, this session is open to all levels. Come as you are and leave feeling lighter, calmer, and rebalanced.
What to Bring:
A yoga mat, blanket, or cushion for comfort
A bottle of water
An open mind and willingness to relax
dress comfortably – sweats encouraged
6:45 – arrive and land
7:00 – intention setting
7:10 – breath work
7:40 – sound bath
8:10 – tea – oracle – connect
8:30 – goodbyes

Beyond the Algorithm: An Artist Talk with Erika Jean Lincoln
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Video Pool Media Arts Centre, Arthur Street 100, Winnipeg, Winnipeg, R3B 1H7, Canada
Join us for an illuminating evening as Erika Jean Lincoln takes the stage to share her unique artistic journey with Artificial Intelligence. Erika will delve into how she pushes the boundaries of AI, exploring its vulnerabilities and reimagining its potential as a creative tool.
This engaging talk is a chance to be inspired, spark curiosity, and explore the evolving intersection of Artificial Intelligence, disability arts with new media arts.
Thursday February 20, 2025, 7-8pm.

Video Pool Media Arts Centre at the Pivot, Room 203, in-person or online.
Cost: Free
For more information on the event and to register if attending online: https://videopool.org/

In Partnership with Harbour Collective

IBTIDA – A Theatrical Experience
2025-02-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Rachel Browne Theatre, 211 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B3P2
Taking place in the heart of the city, the historic exchange district is home to Winnipeg’s arts. “Ibtida” is our very first inter academy show that brings together movement, music, and storytelling. This show will feature dancers – whether from a bhangra, giddha, or classical background. Come experience a night filled with rich culture and heritage!
Tickets available on eventbrite.
🗓️ February 22nd
⏰ Doors open at 7pm
📍Rachel Browne Theatre, 211 Bannatyne Ave

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: Havrylets & Dvořák UnTuxed
2025-02-27 11:45 - 13:00 | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, Winnipeg
Step into a world of powerful contrasts and profound emotions with Havrylets & Dvořák UnTuxed. The performance opens with Hanna Havrylets’s Chorale for Strings, a deeply moving piece that blends lament and hope, reflecting the composer’s Ukrainian heritage. Havrylets, who passed away shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, imbues this work with a poignant sense of longing and resilience.
The program continues with Antonin Dvorák’s Symphonic Variations, a masterpiece of melodic invention and orchestral color. Dvorák transforms a simple theme into a series of intricate and beautiful variations while demonstrating the versatility and skill of the WSO. This piece is celebrated for its melodic charm and the delightful way it explores and develops musical ideas.

Grounded: Solo Exhibition by Holly Ann Friesen
2025-02-27 18:00 - 21:00 | 65 Albert St, Albert Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1G3, Canada
Exhibition runs February 27 – March 23, 2025.
Opening Reception to be held February 27, 2025, from 6 – 9 pm. Live music and refreshments provided.
“Grounded” is an interpretation of the landscape through people’s interactions and experiences.
Holly’s art practice is inspired by seeing the forest for the trees, striving to look beyond physical details of her surroundings, abstracting objects and light. She captures the experience of place rather than its most accurate representation, so that the viewer can interpret how they see or experience the work.
Relying on form and value, Holly draws on memory to create the impression of a known object or place and its meaning. Abstraction is used as a way of communicating memory and association so that the viewer becomes a part of the conversation

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: Dvorák & Stafylakis
2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, Winnipeg
Experience a world of musical contrasts with Dvorák & Stafylakis, a concert that bridges the past and present with powerful compositions. The evening begins with Hanna Havrylets’s Chorale for Strings, a poignant tribute to the late Ukrainian composer. Havrylets, who passed away shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, composed this piece to transmit both lament and hope through its beautiful melodies and rich harmonies.
Next, prepare for the world premiere of Harry Stafylakis’s Violin Concerto, performed by the electrifying and renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Known for her love of heavy metal and classical music, Pine brings a unique intensity to this groundbreaking piece. Stafylakis, the WSO’s Composer in Residence, draws from his background in progressive metal to create a concerto that defies classical music conventions and resonates with contemporary audiences.
The concert concludes with Dvorák’s Symphonic Variations, a masterpiece of melodic invention and orchestral color. This piece showcases Dvorák’s ability to transform a simple theme into a series of intricate and beautiful variations while demonstrating the versatility and skill of the WSO.

King James
2025-03-05 19:30 - 2025-03-22 16:00 | 140 Rupert Ave, 140 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg, R3B 0T9
“Being a fan is like having a religion.” – Matt
Matt is in a tight spot financially and is forced to sell his Cleveland Cavaliers season tickets. He’s been going to games since he was six and this is like giving a piece of his heart away. To add insult to injury, the Cavs are showing promise with LeBron ‘King’ James now holding court. So, here’s Matt unloading his season tickets to a guy he’s never met. But Matt has some un-Cleveland-like luck when he and Shawn become fast friends and start going to games together. As the team’s fortunes rise and fall, they go through their own highs and lows.
A story told in four quarters over 12 years, King James is an exploration of a deep friendship, filtered through the emotional roller coaster of fandom.

Lights On The Exchange: Sound Like Light
2025-03-07 20:00 - 23:59 | Private: The Millennium Centre, 389 Main Street, Winnipeg
A Soirée of Art, Sound + Light
Step into Sound Like Light, an immersive night where frequencies blur, shadows shift, and the room moves around you. Set in the historic Millennium Centre, this one-of-a-kind Lights On The Exchange event transforms marble-clad halls into a sensory landscape of massive projections, vibrant soundscapes, and live performances.
Experience an electrifying lineup of DJs, captivating audiovisual performances, and breathtaking immersive visuals by Manufacturing Entertainment—all designed to bend time, space, and perception.
Date: March 7th, 8PM – Midnight
Location: Millennium Centre, 389 Main St.
Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 at the door
This event is ages 18+. Valid ID required for entry.
Featuring: ZUKI | WANDA G | DJ HUNNICUTT | KILUSAN
Performances by: Casey Koyczan | Princess Dasha
Immersive projections by: Manufacturing Entertainment
Don’t miss this unforgettable collision of light, sound, and movement.

Spring Exhibition at Soul Gallery
2025-03-15 10:00 - 17:00 | 65 Albert St, Albert Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1G3, Canada
Step into Soul Gallery at 65 Albert and savor our spring exhibition, featuring works by 29 different artists from across Manitoba, Canada, and the world. These works of Contemporary Fine Art are bright and refreshing—perfect to enliven your spring season.

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: Mahler & Schumann
2025-03-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, Winnipeg
Join us for an evening of contrasts and connections with music that ranges from the festive to the sublime. The concert begins with Oscar Morawetz’s “Carnival Overture,” a lively piece that captures the spirited festivities of a carnival. This overture is packed with energy and charm, setting the stage for a delightful evening.
Next, Canadian-born, Berlin-based cellist Bryan Cheng returns to perform Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto, a piece known for its lyrical beauty and innovative structure. Cheng’s previous performances with the WSO have been met with enthusiastic acclaim, and his interpretation of Schumann’s concerto is sure to be a highlight of the season.
Known for his sold-out Carnegie Hall debut at 14 and performances with renowned orchestras worldwide, Cheng continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic interpretations, extensive recital highlights, and critically acclaimed albums, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
The concert concludes with Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, a work that combines the classical charm of Haydn with the emotional depth of Beethoven. Winnipeg’s own soprano star Lara Ciekiewicz joins the orchestra for the symphony’s final movement, singing of a child’s vision of heaven—a serene and joyful conclusion to the evening.
Acclaimed for her “tour-de-force performance” in Manitoba Opera’s Susannah, Ciekiewicz is celebrated for her dynamic and moving portrayals across genres, earning her the reputation of an artistic chameleon. Her versatility and transformative ability shine through in her captivating performances on stage.

Prophecy
2025-03-19 | Rachel Browne Theatre, 211 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B3P2
In this second rendition, two-time Harry S. Rintoul award winner, Jessy Ardern ’s play Prophecy is hitting the Rachel Browne stage for this riveting retelling of Homer’s Iliad.
Cassandra has been blessed with the ability to see the future, but her curse is that no one will ever believe her. In a story that slides between the mythic past and the looming future, she witnesses the events of a war that will overcome her homeland and destroy her family.
Channeling the singular voices of the Trojan women—her mother and sisters—Cassandra takes us from the past and into the present as old visions of love, rage, and revenge collide with new ideals of safety, righteousness, and comfort, sending ripples across time and space.

Casey and Diana
2025-03-19 19:30 - 2025-04-12 16:00 | 174 Market Avenue, 174 Market Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B 0T9
“An incredibly moving and deeply accomplished play” – Toronto Star
Thomas wasn’t planning to be at Casey House much longer but an upcoming visit from Princess Diana gives him a reason to stick around. Soon he’s rallying the other residents to hang on for seven more days. But in a hospice for people living with AIDS, a week is a long time. As they wait impatiently for the big day, Thomas entertains everyone with his gallows humour, his roommate frets about unfinished business and they both struggle with family relationships.
Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991, Casey and Diana is a tremendously moving and surprisingly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their devoted caregivers, and the ‘People’s Princess’ who had the spirit to touch their hearts and the compassion to hold their hands when no one else would.

201 Talks: Why Losing Weight is a Losing Battle
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | 201 Portage Conference Centre, 201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B 3K6
Don’t miss out on a FREE, inspiring presentation by Carl Berryman, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, as he shares expert insights on nutrition and fitness. Learn how to take charge of your health with actionable tips and strategies:
– Why body composition matters more than weight
– Which is better: strength training or cardio?
– A simpler way to eat healthy without counting calories
– 3 simple steps to make healthy habits stick
Discover how to look, feel, and perform your best—without relying on the scale, counting calories, or spending endless hours in the gym.

CREATIVE MORNINGS: Creating Spaces to Belong
2025-03-21 08:00 - 10:00 | LAUNCH, 167 Lombard Street, WINNIPEG, R3B 0V3
Join us on March 21 at Launch Co-Working in the Exchange District to explore the CreativeMornings global theme of PARALLEL! Doors open at 8am for networking and breakfast. Our event is free and everyone is welcome! Scroll down for agenda overview.
As writers and storytellers, Meghan Malcolm (they/she) and Megan Kiyoko Wray (she/her) have spent their lives searching for reflections of themselves in the stories around them—only to realize that true representation often requires creating the spaces and narratives they longed for. Their journeys parallel in many ways: both grew up feeling underrepresented in media, both found community through storytelling, and both have worked to build spaces where others can feel seen, valued, and understood.
Meet our Speakers: Meghan Malcolm and Megan Wray
Meghan, a queer writer, founded Willow, a bookstore and community hub that grew from a self-publishing project into a beloved gathering space. With a mandate of sharing stories to “find and lose yourself” in, Willow championed diverse books and fostered a space for inclusive events like queer open mics, drag performances, and community workshops.
Megan, a queer, mixed-race Japanese Canadian writer, has spent years uncovering the histories that shaped her family and community, confronting the intergenerational trauma of wartime incarceration and dispossession. Through her work with Mata Ashita: An Intergenerational Writing Circle for Japanese Canadians, she has found—and now helps create—a space for connection, healing, and shared stories.
Together, Megan and Meghan will explore the power of representation, the intersections of their journeys, and how storytelling can be an act of both self-discovery and community-building. Join us as they reflect on the parallels between their paths and the ways creativity fosters belonging.
*All CreativeMornings Winnipeg events offer ASL interpretation.

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: How to Grow an Orchestra
2025-03-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, Winnipeg
Want to laugh and learn more about the history of orchestras?
Join us for How to Grow an Orchestra, a hilarious exploration of how orchestras have grown from the primitive conch shell to today’s dynamic ensembles of 60+ musicians! Hosted by comedian Lara Rae and led by guest conductor Armand Singh Birk, this crash course is complete with live demonstrations, historical deep dives, and just the right amount of sarcasm.
See the orchestra quite literally “grow” in size before your eyes, as more musicians take the stage in the order their instruments were introduced over time. It’s like time travel but with fewer paradoxes…

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven's Fourth UnTuxed
2025-03-27 11:45 - 13:00 | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, Winnipeg
Join us for Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony UnTuxed, a performance that celebrates the brilliance and charm of one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s lesser-known symphonies. Sandwiched between the more famous Third (Eroica) and Fifth symphonies, the Fourth Symphony is a hidden gem full of wit, charm, and delightful surprises.
This symphony showcases Beethoven’s lighter side, with sparkling melodies and inventive orchestration. It offers a refreshing contrast to the more dramatic works that surround it, revealing Beethoven’s ability to create music that is both engaging and entertaining. Conducted by Leslie Suganandarajah, Music Director of the Salzburg Landestheater, this performance is sure to highlight the symphony’s playful and dynamic character.

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven's Fourth
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St, Winnipeg
Celebrate the brilliance of Ludwig van Beethoven with Beethoven’s Fourth, a concert featuring guest conductor Leslie Suganandarajah, Music Director of the Salzburg Landestheater. The evening begins with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s “Ballade in A minor,” a work filled with passion and lush string moments, influenced by his mentor, Sir Edward Elgar. This piece, full of high spirits and warmth, offers a glimpse into Coleridge-Taylor’s potential had he lived longer.
Next, Walter Kaufmann’s Six Indian Miniatures provides a musical journey through the rich landscapes of India. Kaufmann, WSO’s first Music Director, composed these pieces after spending years in India writing film scores. These miniatures are musical postcards, offering vivid depictions of East Indian scenes and culture.
The concert concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, a sparkling and joyful piece that often surprises audiences with its wit and charm. Sandwiched between the more famous Third (Eroica) and Fifth symphonies, the Fourth Symphony is a hidden gem that showcases Beethoven’s lighter side and inventive spirit.

Murder For Two
2025-04-02 19:30 - 2025-04-19 16:00 | 140 Rupert Ave, 140 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg, R3B 0T9
“Simply, ‘Murder for Two’ kills.” – New York Observer
Officer Marcus Moscowicz is small-town police officer and an aspiring detective. On a dark and stormy night, renowned author Arthur Whitney is murdered moments before his surprise birthday party! With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus seizes the opportunity to showcase his sleuthing abilities, alongside his silent partner Lou. The question remains: who is the culprit behind this mysterious crime?
A high-energy musical whodunit, Murder for Two is a blend of classic musical, comedy and murder mystery, where two actors play a dozen different characters and a piano. Settle in for this witty homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries.

201 Talks: Simple Living Workshop with Three Pines Organizing
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | 201 Portage Conference Centre, 201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B 3K6
Ready to declutter and refresh your space? 🌿✨ Join in on this month’s 201 Talks event where you’ll discover 10 practical tips and tricks to help you stay organized—whether it’s your home 🏡, office 💼, or digital space💻.
Sara, the owner of Three Pines Organizing, has transformed countless homes and offices across Manitoba, working with clients to create streamlined, beautiful systems that foster both efficiency and peace of mind.
Take a break during your lunch hour to get inspired by Sara’s expert insights, and leave with the motivation to get—and stay—organized! 🌟

I’ll share my medicines | Jennifer Smith
2025-04-17 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-23 12:00 - 17:00 | Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery, Urban Shaman Gallery, 203-290 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, R3B 0T2
I’ll share my medicines
April 17th, 2025 to June 14th, 2025
Holly Aubichon, Claire Johnston, Lynette La Fontaine, Chanelle Lajoie, Val Vint
Curated by Jennifer Smith
Reception: Thursday, April 17th – 5-9 pm
Artist Talk: Saturday, April 19th – 1-3 pm
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/FdCnACCiMxA?feature=share
The roots of sage have been dormant for the last few months and are now beginning to spread underground as they prepare to sprout through the soil, tobacco seeds are being planted to cared for to be planted outdoors once the soils warms, sweetgrass is ready to reach its way out of the soil towards the sun as the days lengthen and sun stays with us longer each day, cedar that remains green and steady through the winter months is now budding new growth.
Through a cycle of seasons and the cycle of these four sacred medicines Holly Aubichon, Claire Johnston, Lynette La Fontaine, Chanelle Lajoie and Val Vint have prepared their medicines to bring forward in I’ll share my medicines. Together, the artists have explored what medicines are to them, what is healing, soothing and fulfilling and how as a community we share the bounty of our medicines with each other on our journeys on these lands.
Didactics translated in Michif
Image Credit: pêyâhtik, 2025, Lynette La Fontaine

Elevate: Manaaji'idiwin
2025-04-23 19:30 - 2025-05-17 16:00 | 174 Market Avenue, 174 Market Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B 0T9
WORLD PREMIERE
What happens when your elevator gets stuck on the way to a high-profile meeting, Jonesie and Tallahassee are about to find out! As tempers rise, the shrinking space becomes a pressure cooker, as the men struggle to get it back up and running. Told with hilarious hijinks, the two attempt a series of adventurous escapes, and through these mishaps, a brutal and bitingly funny conversation about power emerges. Will the elevator become unstuck?
This new play developed in the Pimootayowin Creators Circle is a fast-paced exploration of reconciliation and what it means to see the humanity of another person.

The Creative Crossroads: Choosing Abundance Over Scarcity
2025-04-25 08:00 - 10:00 | LAUNCH, 167 Lombard Street, WINNIPEG, R3B 0V3
Join us on April 25 at Launch Co-Working on Lombard to hear from Roberta Landreth, JUNO award-winning graphic designer of music album covers (and proud RRC Polytech graduate). Roberta will explore the CreativeMornings global theme of CROSSROADS! Doors open at 8 a.m. for networking and breakfast. Our event is free, and everyone is welcome!.
Roberta credits the music scene in Winnipeg with finding happiness and fulfillment in her work: “It’s a vibrant, close-knit community where we all support each other creatively. This city is passionate about the arts, and I feel extremely thankful to be a part of it.”
Schedule:
8:00 a.m. Arrival and check in – grab a coffee, a breakfast treat and make a new friend (or just smile at someone while making a cool nametag)
8:25 a.m. Refill coffee and settle in for a great event!
8:30 a.m. Welcome, info about CreativeMornings and listen to our featured local performer
8:45 a.m. Community creative engagement activity – introvert approved (and introvert friendly!)
9:00 a.m. Intro of Speaker(s)
9:30 a.m. Wrap up and exchange contact info with your new friend!

201 Portage Presents: Winnipeg Comedy Festival FREE Lunch Hour Show
2025-04-29 12:00 - 13:00 | 201 Portage Conference Centre, 201 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, R3B 3K6
Need a laugh during lunch? The Winnipeg Comedy Festival kicks off with a FREE lunch-hour show from 12:15-1:15pm guaranteed to leave you grinning (and totally out of trouble with your boss).
Featuring:
– Dave Hemstad: A seasoned comic, Dave’s been everywhere from CBC’s The Debaters to Just For Laughs in Montreal. With a few TV credits and a Comedy Now! special under his belt, he’s often hailed as one of Canada’s finest comedians. If you haven’t seen him yet, you should probably fix that.
– Danielle Kayahara: Host of Wisecracks for Weirdos and half of the musical duo The Lady Lumps, Danielle’s comedic blend of storytelling and silliness has made her a fan favorite at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, CBC Radio, and more. She’s a caffeine-fueled comedy machine with a knack for turning anxiety into laughs.
– Dewey Parker: Smooth, funny, and ready to entertain. Dewey’s “Winnipeg’s Funniest Person with a Day Job” title is no joke. From headlining sold-out shows in Shanghai to lighting up Yuk Yuk’s, Dewey’s energetic performances will leave you wanting more.
Come for the comedy and stay for the laughs!

Exploring the ELA, paintings by Audrey Lute
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-27 | 210 Gallery, 210 Princess Street, Winnipeg, R3B1L4
From May 2 to May 27, the 210 Gallery will feature an exhibition called, Exploring the ELA, ] a series of acrylic paintings created by Audrey Lute during her time as an artist-in-residence at the IISD–Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), a globally unique freshwater research facility near Kenora, Ontario. The ELA encompasses 58 small lakes and their surrounding watersheds, providing a living laboratory for vital ecological research.
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Audrey’s residency took place in June and October 2024. Immersed in this remarkable setting, she observed environmental science in action—from exploring the lakes and forests to visiting labs and weather stations. Her work reflects both the real-world research she encountered and her personal, imaginative response to the landscape and its stories.
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The resulting paintings are intimate 6” x 6” works, mounted on 8” x 8” supports—small in size but rich in detail and emotion. The format was chosen for ease of travel to and from the site, and to invite close, personal engagement from viewers.
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Opening Reception – May 2, 2025
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Join us for a special evening as part of First Fridays in the Exchange:
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Artist Talk by Audrey Lute
Guest Talk by Noelle Wood (Education & Relations Officer, IISD–ELA)
Make Your Own Watercolour Bookmark workshop led by the artist at 7:30 PM

Exchange District Annual Spring Spruce Up
2025-05-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Bijou Park, 492 Main St, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B1B7, Canada
We hope to see you at our 7th annual Exchange District Spring Spruce Up on Friday, May 2nd!
When: Friday, May 2nd from 10am – 1pm.
Where: Bijou Park – 492 Main St (beside Old Market Square)
Pastries and coffee will be provided for anyone who participates in the Spruce Up.
Come out, support your community and help take care of our small corner of the planet! Gloves, cleaning supplies and litter pickers will be provided.
All volunteers will receive a voucher for a FREE beverage to Nonsuch Brewing for post-clean up celebrations!

Dispelling Misconceptions: A Fresh Perspective on AI
2025-05-02 18:00 - 19:00 | 100 Arthur St., 100 Arthur St., Winnipeg, R3B1H3
Attendees are encouraged to join the discussion, ask questions, and explore their own thoughts on the intersection of AI and creativity in a collaborative and welcoming environment.
In partnership with Harbour Collective and First Fridays, artist and mentor Erika Jean Lincoln invite us to reflect on AI and how it has evolved. Through storytelling and critical insights, she’ll challenge common misconceptions and open up a dialogue on the technology’s artistic potential.
AI Mentorship Residency: Breaking the System participants, Aderemilekun “Oluuji” Olusoga and Kris Snowbird will bring their unique perspectives to the conversation with a dynamic show-and-tell. They’ll share their initial encounters with AI, key takeaways from their residency, how AI has shaped their artistic practices, and the challenges they’ve navigated along the way.
Attendees are encouraged to take part in the discussion—ask questions, share thoughts, and engage in an open exploration of AI’s intersection with creativity. This final presentation serves as both a celebration of artistic discoveries and the closing event of AI Mentorship Residency: Breaking the System.
The Art Talk will be followed by a guided Art Walk to a selection of galleries, artist-run centres and artist studios open late for First Fridays in the Exchange.
Join us in-person at Video Pool Media Arts Centre, THE PIVOT, Room 203 or online for what is sure to be an engaging discussion. Walk-ins are welcome!
Photo Credit: Erika Jean Lincoln Bananas are Cats – A Walk in the Forest: A Convo w/ A.I. #10 2024. A collaborative drawing between the artist and a drawing machine. Hand written text in black ink and machine drawn generative AI path of a rambling walk in green ink.

First Friday Bike-In
2025-05-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Old Market Square, 275 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1H9, Canada
Biking to the Exchange is easier than you think! Join us with Bike Winnipeg on the first Friday of each month for a friendly and safe ride to show you the best routes to the Exchange from all areas of the city into Old Market Square.
Take part in a group bike ride into the Exchange District! You will discover the safest and most convenient routes from numerous neighbourhoods throughout Winnipeg. This ride will give you the confidence to feel comfortable riding throughout the city.

May 2 – Linden Wood / CrescentwoodJune 6 – Valour Community Centre / West EndJuly 4 – Millennium Gardens / Chief Peguis Trail GreenwayAugust 1 – St George School / RiverviewSeptember 5 – Edmund Partridge / Point DouglasOctober 3 – Assiniboine Park / Wolseley

Sign up: https://exchangedistrict.org/first-fridays-bike-in/

What’s on this First Friday in the Exchange: https://www.firstfridayswinnipeg.org/
