2023 Crankie Festival Visual Artist in Residence

James Culleton is a Canadian contemporary multi-media artist and designer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He specializes in drawing, sculpture, and furniture design. His work has been exhibited throughout Manitoba, across Canada and into the United States.

What is a Crankie?

A Crankie is a moving panorama, an old storytelling art form that was popular in the 18th century. Scrolled art is mounted on hand-cranked spindles held together in a frame. As music plays or a story is told, an artist cranks the spindles so that the picture moves with the story, creating a uniquely magical experience for the audience.

The Winnipeg Crankie Festival features musicians, writers, poets, and storytellers, as well as visual artists in dynamic cross-media collaborations with artists from Manitoba and beyond — all brought together by the humble Crankie.

The festival brings together the best in music, art, whimsy and story from Winnipeg’s musical, literary, dance and visual arts communities. It unites folks from all walks of life to participate on- and off-stage for an interactive and collaborative festival experience.