Downtown Winnipeg BIZ looking to showcase local talent

A sign for Downtown Live is seen outside Winnipeg’s Burton Cummings Theatre on May 28, 2026. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)

A Winnipeg organization is introducing a new initiative aimed at highlighting local talent while also bringing more people to the downtown area.

On Thursday, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ announced the launch of Downtown Live – a program to curate a roster of local performers who will take part in paid activations and events throughout downtown Winnipeg.

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ noted that it’s looking for all types of artists, including singers, dancers, poets, DJs and more.

“We’re really looking for all kinds of talent—youth, emerging, established, a little weird, a little unexpected… You name it, it’s all welcome,” said Olivia Billson, director of communications for Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.

Downtown Live will kick off with public auditions on June 27 at the plaza outside the Burton Cummings Theatre. Applicants can showcase their talents to judges and a live audience for a chance to join the artist roster.

Prizes will be given to top applicants, including a chance to perform at the Burt Block Party.

“It adds energy; it adds excitement,” Billson said. “We really want to program and activate downtown all year round and give people good reasons to spend time downtown.”

Registration to take part in the June 27 audition is now open. The deadline to apply is June 14.

More information on eligibility, auditions and registration is available online.

• With files from CTV’s Jamie Dowsett