The Manitoba Arts Council is an arm's-length agency of the Province of Manitoba, established in 1965 "to promote the study, enjoyment, production and performance of works in the arts." The Council makes awards to professional arts organizations and individuals in all art forms including arts education, literary arts, performing arts, and visual arts. The Council uses a peer assessment process in making awards. The main criterion used to assess application is artistic excellence.

The Council is funded through Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Council reports annually through the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism to the Provincial Legislature in its Annual Report, and Council operations are audited annually through the Provincial Auditor.

The Manitoba Arts Council consists of 15 Board members appointed for a term by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council. Council develops policy for the benefit of the arts and of the public of Manitoba, using input from the community and key stakeholders. The Council also has the authority and responsibility to approve the expenditure of funds that supports the mandate and reflects the public trust.

Council is responsible for hiring an Executive Director to carry out policies and oversee operations. The Executive Director is in turn responsible for hiring arts Program Consultants and administrative staff who can best assist Council in its responsibilities.

The Council makes or ratifies awards to individual artists and to arts organizations in all artistic disciplines. The intent is to balance the requirements of an existing arts infrastructure with support for new artistic development.