In Winnipeg’s downtown area, a group of volunteers came together to create a space uniquely their own. Carla Taylor, Nix Cristobal Calma, and Bre Cristobal Calma co-founded Matter Manitoba. The volunteer-run organization has the mandate to promote and celebrate Two-Spirit, Queer, and Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (2SQTBIPOC) art and community.
According to Matter Manitoba, 2SQTBIPOC individuals are historically underrepresented in art and literature. Taylor says that representation and community spaces can alleviate some of these barriers and open new opportunities. The plans for a community art gallery and library are just the beginning, explains Taylor, with plans for queer community programming led by the community itself.
Local artists France and Azka are thrilled by the potential Matter Manitoba offers, especially with a space where people can find others who are much like themselves.
