Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment started and ended 2021 on a high note.

That's from executive director Stefanie Dunn who explains that they entered the Christmas break learning that they had been approved for the Manitoba Safe At Home Grant. She notes that was huge for them.

"Prior to receiving that grant, we were really struggling with how to maintain our relevancy," notes Dunn. "Of course, as a nonprofit, our entire income structure had been wiped due to the pandemic. We weren't having class registrations. We weren't having ticket sales and, obviously, bar sales or rentals or anything like that. We were really struggling with how to engage with our audience and continue to bring them the programming we're known for through a virtual platform."

She notes they weren't quite equipped to run those programs virtually.

"We started it off optimistically and positively, and that grant was a huge help for us," continues Dunn. "We were able to do workshops and concerts all from providing those opportunities with people staying safe at home."

Dunn acknowledges there were many challenges, as everybody has come to realize.

"Being a visual medium, trying to translate that to the virtual world was hard," adds Dunn. "We struggled with that. But, you know, it certainly pointed out out our weaknesses and gave us opportunity to really troubleshoot those areas. And it highlighted what strengths we have and really showed that our community is behind us. Our community believes in art programming, and it's also just imperative for one's mental health. All the mediums that people were turning to -- TV, crafting, music, those sorts of things -- those are all art-based. So, I think we really came out at the end of 2021 pleased. We are so pleased that the fruit of our labour is really starting to become apparent."

She adds they had their first in-person concert with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra since they've been able to return to programming.

"It was almost two years since we'd had an in-person concert," continues Dunn. "So, certainly, we did start the year off on an optimistic note. And obviously, there were many hurdles. But if it brought us to where we are right now, finishing off this strong, then I would do it all over again, I suppose."

Dunn says the attendance to their online classes was great, despite the challenges.

"We were actually able to tap into a different demographic that I'm not sure that we were really reaching prior to offering the virtual stuff," notes Dunn. "The Safe at Home program allowed us to provide kits that were free of charge and really just gave people the chance to try something new, get their feet wet with a really low commitment, and we did. We had a huge uptake, even for some of our virtual concerts. We had people from all across Canada and even overseas tuning in. It was unbelievable to see the reach that we had for one show. We had someone from Ireland watching, which is so cool. It's, again, something that we never would have had the chance to explore if it were not for the grant."

She speaks about how they will do things moving forward.

"Even as we continue, we're trying to navigate the new protocols, and we're still seeing a really good response from the community," adds Dunn. "We're trying new things, trying new workshops, and just really listening. We're really open to any ideas that people bring to us and we want to make those things happen."

Dunn says they'd like to shy away from virtual projects, ideally, though.

"I think whenever virtual programming is brought up in conversation, people's eyes immediately glaze over," says Dunn. "People are tired. We want to experience things in-person again. There are certainly benefits to it, as we've seen. We're having our winter pride event coming up at the end of January, and there has been discussion about live streaming some of those activities, as well. There are still people who are not comfortable being in crowds yet, or that, perhaps, don't meet the current protocols that are required to enter our facility and take part in our programming."

She explains virtual settings provide them with more options, but they feel that in-person events still provide the most to people.

"I have two favourite parts of the year," continues Dunn. "Being nominated alongside such amazing and crucial organizations for the Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year award through the Chamber business awards, was one. That was a really huge piece for us. It was such an honour to be recognized. To be recognized alongside Family Resource Centre, Rotary and Fort la Reine Museum, who are all so different, so unique, and providing such such necessary programming to our area, was great."

She notes the second piece of the year was being able to connect with their audience and the community.

"Just just talking to people on the phone and providing questions, answers and commentary to everything that was going on," says Dunn, "it was really an important piece for us as we continued to develop and adapt our programming as we go into the future."

Dun notes she did not get to connect with many, otherwise, due to the lockdowns.

"So, 2021 was really fun to be in this role and truly serve the community representing Prairie Fusion," adds Dunn.