An introduction to how art and law intersect

Sometimes, the hands-on learning that happens while working in a student clinic takes the form of having lunch with people. That is, moving in an environment requiring learning the art of networking to understand the needs of clients whom one will be helping as a professional. Therefore, on June 2, 2026, second-year law students Grayson Shanks, Kayla Bornemann, Katarina Ewert, and Will Huh, from the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts attended the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts, where they joined artists and community leaders in celebrating the individuals who contribute to Winnipeg’s vibrant arts community. Hosted by the Winnipeg Arts Council and welcomed by Mayor Scott Gillingham, the luncheon recognized the significant contributions local artists make to the City of Winnipeg. The clinic students were perfectly situated to meet some of the artists and learn from them throughout the event.

The Winnipeg Arts Council describes the annual Luncheon as a way to “celebrate the remarkable artists who call Winnipeg home.” The event’s goal is to remind the community that “Winnipeg has much to celebrate when it comes to artistic achievement and cultural excellence.”

Learning about Winnipeg’s arts community

The luncheon offered students a valuable practical learning experience that connected classroom knowledge to the real-world and challenges faced by artists and creators. Throughout the luncheon, the law students had the opportunity to meet local artists, hear their stories, and learn about the unique legal and business concerns that often accompany work in the creative economic sector.

Katarina Ewert (2L) noted that the luncheon provided important insights into the kinds of legal support arts clients may need. “By speaking with individuals actively working within Winnipeg’s arts and culture community, I gained a better understanding of how the law intersects with creative entrepreneurship. The experience reinforced the idea that the need for access to affordable legal services is not academic, but real, not simply a convenience but a necessity, and required to help artists create and succeed in their livelihoods.”

Will Huh (2L) expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with artists and community leaders whose experiences align closely with the goals of the legal clinic. “Meeting individuals who have and may one day seek guidance from the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts helped me better understand the human side of legal advocacy.” Rather than viewing legal issues in the abstract, students heard first-hand how contracts, intellectual property rights, and business structures affect artists’ day-to-day lives and creative futures.

Cultivating Connections

During the event, the law students had the opportunity to connect personally with many members of Winnipeg’s arts community, including leadership from the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange and others, Among them was Chole Card, a staff member with the Winnipeg Arts Council, who invited representatives from the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts to participate in one of their ArtWalks, which explore free public art installations throughout the Exchange District.

The students also met renowned Winnipeg actor/playwright Alexander Poch-Goldin; as well as  Joan Gillis, General Manager, and Dr. Richard Gillis, Artistic Director, of the recent Juno Award winning Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra; and Deinma David Iyagba, a local artist and sculptor originally from Southern Nigeria. Deinma is a recipient of both the Cecil C. Richards Memorial Award for Sculpture and the Tania (Tye) Asper Memorial Prize at the University of Manitoba. He is also a friend of Will Huh.

The event brought together established artists, arts organizations, emerging creatives, and long-time friends, creating a welcoming atmosphere that made the luncheon especially meaningful and memorable.

Supporting Local Arts and Culture 

For the law students, the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts demonstrated that law and the arts are deeply interconnected. Protecting creativity requires understanding the law and legal frameworks that apply, while thriving arts communities strengthen the social and economic fabric of a city. By meeting local artists and learning about the needs and challenges they face, students left the luncheon with a stronger appreciation for the role the legal clinic can play in supporting creative communities and providing access to legal information and legal services to the arts and culture sector.