Black Community Experience Centre (BCEC) feasibility study - Information survey

On February 1, 2025, a steering committee was established to explore the creation of a Black Canadian Experience Centre & Museum in Winnipeg. Since then, leaders from African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI), Pilgrim Baptist Church, Black History Manitoba, and other committed community members have been working collaboratively to turn this vision into reality.

Over the past year, a series of pop-up exhibits have featured historical artifacts, family heirlooms, photographs, and archival materials contributed by Black families and organizations across Manitoba. These exhibitions have revealed not only the depth and richness of Black history in our province, but also the clear and growing desire for a permanent space to preserve, interpret, and share these stories.

We are now assessing the feasibility of establishing a dedicated physical centre — a space created by and for the Black community. This centre would foster healing through truth-telling, promote intergenerational learning, celebrate Black excellence, and deepen public understanding of anti-Black racism within Canadian history.

The vision is anchored in three guiding principles:
Honour the past. Celebrate the present. Build the future.

Your voice is critical at this stage. The insights you share will directly inform whether this initiative moves forward — and if so, how it should be shaped to meaningfully serve our community for generations to come.

Your input will help determine:

•  Community priorities
•  Program and space needs
•  Governance expectations
•  National relevance
•  Long-term sustainability

Thank you for participating- your input and information in this survey will be kept confidential. Results will inform the official feasibility study.
Estimated time: 30–35 minutes.

residential community with park bench

Section 1: About you

Section 2: Programming & Content

  • 1 Permanent exhibitions
  • 2 Rotating exhibitions
  • 3 Oral history projects
  • 4 School programs
  • 5 Workshops and lectures
  • 6 Film screenings
  • 7 Performing arts events
  • 8 Youth leadership programs
  • 9 Healing circles / cultural ceremonies
  • 10 Archives and research access
  • 11 National touring exhibitions
  • 12 Multi-purpose space
  • 13 Event space / rental venue

The order you leave these in will be submitted with the form.

Section 3: Community Need & Relevance

  • 1 Preserving Black history in Manitoba
  • 2 Youth engagement and identity development
  • 3 Cultural celebration and artistic expression
  • 4 Intergenerational dialogue
  • 5 Community gathering space
  • 6 Healing and truth-telling
  • 7 Research and archives
  • 8 National storytelling
  • 9 Addressing anti-Black racism through education

The order you leave these in will be submitted with the form.

Section 4: Site & Space Considerations

  • 1 Exhibition galleries
  • 2 Community gathering hall
  • 3 Ceremony / healing space
  • 4 Education classrooms
  • 5 Performance space
  • 6 Archive and research room
  • 7 Public common areas
  • 8 Café
  • 9 Kitchen (community/commercial)
  • 10 Outdoor gathering space
  • 11 Youth space
  • 12 On-site parking

The order you leave these in will be submitted with the form.

Section 5: Governance & Trust

  • Black-led board and leadership
  • Community accountability
  • Youth Representation
  • Elder advisory council
  • Transparent financial reporting
  • Partnerships with national institutions
  • Strong educational oversight
  • Transparent governing process (charter, voting, etc.)

Section 6: Sustainability & Support

Section 7: National Relevance

Section 8: Final Reflections

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