Yesterday saw the new CEO of the Manitoba Arts Council visiting the Portage and District Arts Centre.

Akoulina Connell took the position in July, and says since coming here from Atlantic Canada, she's impressed with the strength of Manitoba community arts boards.

"That's something we don't have at all in Atlantic Canada, with the exception of larger communities. You have those structures in some of your smaller communities. And that means that your arts scene, even in your rural landscape, is in a much stronger position."

Connell notes there are changes coming for the Council soon.

"Because the focus has been moving an enormous amount of paper. And with the new changes that are coming at MAC, we'll be dealing with the same number of applications coming in, but what will happen with staff is, as less staff time is required to do the processing of applications, there will be more staff time available to do outreach, and to deliver that expertise to the benefit of communities."

PDAC Executive Director Paul Legris calls her visit important, because it means collaboration and partnership.

"And it means that the Arts Centre can take advantage of the skill and wisdom of the Manitoba Arts Council. So what's exciting with a new CEO with the Manitoba Arts Council  is that there are going to be fresh ideas and new vision. And that she's come from another part of the country brings that kind of experience outside just Manitoba that I think is great."