A Message from Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director
Red and golden leaves flutter as the cool breeze heralds the arrival of fall and Montreal’s cultural life starts to get back to normal.
Despite the difficulties that go hand in hand with the ongoing health crisis, there is cause for celebration: we can go to events again! What a relief to finally be able to savour the shows and exhibitions we missed so much! And what about the artists who can now connect with audiences in full venues once again?
If I had to describe this in one word, the first thing that comes to mind is heartwarming. The Les arts toujours au cœur des citoyen-ne-s survey revealed that 93% of Montrealers value artists’ contributions to the city, 90% believe that professional artists add value to society and 81% believe that the arts improve their quality of life. These statistics touch us very deeply.
Emotions were running high at our annual partners’ meeting on September 15, 2021, where we paid tribute to the invaluable legacy of Jan-Fryderyk Pleszczynski, who was our president for the past eight years. He delivered a moving and tender speech.
The meeting was also an opportunity for our new president Ben Marc Diendéré to share his vision and love of the arts in a speech that inspired and united us. Ben Marc’s appointment is another reason to celebrate!
In addition to continuing the work begun by our outgoing president, the Conseil will begin drafting its next strategic plan. Our major projects include strengthening the city’s creative core, sustainable development, philanthropy and, of course, diversity and inclusion, as a brand-new inclusive governance partnership has just been signed with Concertation Montréal. All things considered, an impressive list that fulfilled all our expectations!
Léger Survey: Montrealers continue to support the arts
On October 4, the Conseil released the results of the Les arts toujours au cœur des citoyen-ne-s survey, conducted last August in collaboration with the firm Leger, to discover their perceptions of the arts and intentions to attend cultural activities.
The results showed that over four out of five Montrealers believe that the municipal government should spend more to support the operation of arts organizations. The pandemic does not seem to have tempered Montrealers’ enthusiasm for the arts, since 79% said they plan to participate in cultural activities as often as or more often than before, proving that Montrealers’ still have the arts at heart!
First program for artists who are D/deaf and/or living with disabilities
In September, the Conseil launched its first-ever inclusive practices program specifically for individual artists who are D/deaf and/or living with disabilities.
Several versions of this call for applications are available to ensure it is accessible to all our clients: a short version, a version for screen readers and digital reading software, a version in Quebec Sign Language (QSL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
For the second year, Montreal is brimming with the energy of the Art Out in the Open program, which helps disseminate artwork in outdoor urban spaces directly in communities.
The spontaneous performances stimulate shared moments and unique encounters between artists and their audiences, spreading joy and beauty in various neighbourhoods across the city. Watch some of them here.
Congratulations to Ethel Bruneau, the queen of tap, on her induction into the Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame in Toronto on September 19.
It is a real pleasure to pay tribute to the exceptional contributions of the woman whose audacity and unique style revolutionized dance and whose career has inspired generations of artists in Montreal. The talented Miss Swing was recognized with the support of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, Danse Danse and MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) on behalf of the entire Montreal dance community.
New Members for the Conseil
Dominic Simoneau Cutural Advisor - Dance
Dominic has in-depth dance and dissemination experience, gained through organizations such as Réseau Scènes, the Regroupement québécois de la danse, Diagramme and RIDEAU.
The Conseil is delighted to put his professionalism and personal qualities to good use in his new position as he provides guidance, outreach and support to the dance community. His expertise will certainly be an asset to the Cultural Advisor team, the Grant Programs and Strategic Initiatives team and the Conseil as a whole.
Marie-Julie Théoret Communications and Promotion Manager
Marie-Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the Université de Montréal and has impressive professional experience from the Société de développement culturel de Terrebonne, the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec, the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement and others. Her arrival at the CAM marks her long-hoped-for return to arts and the Conseil is more than happy to welcome her.
Her relevant experience, analytical skills, practical nature and excellent interpersonal skills will ensure a leadership style that puts people first.
