A three-part circuit in the Quartier des Spectacles for René Lévesque’s centennial

Press release | For immediate release

Montreal, August 1, 2022 - Follow in the footsteps of René Lévesque, a man who left his mark on contemporary Quebec history like no one before or since. Presented in the Quartier des Spectacles from August 24 to November 10, L’Espace René-Lévesque à Montréal : le parcours d’un homme d’exception marks the hundredth anniversary of Mr. Lévesque’s birth on August 14, 1922. It is part of the Année Lévesque, an initiative of the Fondation René-Lévesque. Through a series of original presentations – an exhibition, a video projection and a documentary film – visitors will (re)discover the life and work of the man and the political figure.

The event, curated by Daniel Fortin, is a collaboration between Espace René-Lévesque, which developed the core components, specifically the exhibition and the film; the Fondation René-Lévesque; the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership; Place des Arts; and the Université du Québec à Montréal. It is also part of the Moments du cœur de l’île Initiative.

Discover René Lévesque with a three-part circuit

The circuit starts with an exhibition presented on the Promenade des Artistes. It comprises eight zones exploring the life of René Lévesque: from the man who grew up in the Gaspésie town of New Carlisle to the journalist and iconic political figure he became. He changed Quebec profoundly, and his accomplishments continue to shape our lives to this day. To help visitors enjoy the exhibition to the fullest, a free smartphone-based audio guide is available

Continue your journey into the life of René Lévesque at Place des Arts, with a screening of the short documentary film Quelque chose comme un grand homme by Luc Cyr. Relive the shockwave felt by every Quebecer upon Mr. Lévesque’s passing. After the screening, visitors are invited to share their thoughts or their memories of the man by writing their reflections and celebrating his memory in a guest book created by bookbinding artist Josée Dessureault of Reliures d’Arts la Tranchefile.

Lastly, in the evening, a video projection on the façade of UQAM’s Pavillon Président-Kennedy reveals René Lévesque as both profoundly human and larger-than-life, through the photographs of the legendary Yousuf Karsh.

CREDITS

Curator: Daniel Fortin
Co-producers : Espace René-Lévesque, Fondation René-Lévesque, Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles, Place des Arts, Université du Québec à Montréal

ABOUT ESPACE RENÉ-LÉVESQUE

This museum and garden, dedicated to the memory of René Lévesque, is located in New Carlisle, Quebec, on the shores of Chaleur Bay. Visitors are invited to discover the man beyond the politician through a sensitive look at the events, activism and actions that shaped his life.

At its inception, the decision was made to centre this multifaceted man. To maximize the space’s educational value, its activities are designed for visitors who know little or nothing about Renė Lėvesque. The institution also tells the story of the Quiet Revolution through the prism of an exceptional man’s life. It is a clear success: older visitors are moved, of course, and younger ones are fascinated. The space opened in 2018.

More information: espacerenelevesque.com

ABOUT THE ANNÉE LÉVESQUE AND THE FONDATION RENÉ-LÉVESQUE

The Année Lévesque (L’Année Lévesque) is an initiative of the Fondation René-Lévesque, presented by Québecor in collaboration with Hydro-Québec and with the financial participation of the government of Quebec. From June 2022 to June 2023, the Année presents a series of commemorative activities and initiatives in memory of René Lévesque, whose centennial falls on August 24, 2022.

By highlighting René Lévesque and his legacy, the Fondation René-Lévesque supports research, dissemination and publication activities through annual student grants. It is recognized as a charitable organization by the Canada Revenue Agency.

More information: fondation-levesque.org

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES AND THE PARTNERSHIP

The Quartier des Spectacles is Montréal’s cultural heart, boasting North America’s most concentrated and diverse group of cultural venues as well as numerous festivals and events. The Quartier also hosts innovative urban installations involving cutting-edge lighting design and immersive environments. The Quartier des Spectacles has become an international showcase for digital public art.

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization with more than 85 members active in the district. It is responsible for animating the Quartier des Spectacles by programming cultural activities, managing and animating public spaces, providing distinctive illumination and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal.

More information: quartierdesspectacles.com

ABOUT LES MOMENTS DU CŒUR DE L’ÎLE

The product of a fruitful collaboration between the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, Montréal centre-ville, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal and the Ville de Montréal, in collaboration with Tourisme Montréal, Les moments du cœur de l’île is downtown Montreal’s collaborative summer project. Bringing together the district’s cultural and economic stakeholders, the initiative encompasses a wide variety of activities presented by each partner. From Atwater to Papineau streets, between Sherbrooke St. and the St. Lawrence River, downtown is the place to go for countless cultural activities thanks to a variety of pedestrian zones, safe public spaces, spontaneous performances and an enhanced cultural offering. From June to the fall, these initiatives invite Montrealers, visitors and tourists to enjoy the best of the island outdoors.

More information : lecoeurdelile.com

- 30 -

PHOTOS
Download link

PRESS KIT
Online press kit.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Partenariat du Quartier des spectacle
Mélanie Mingotaud
melanie@mingo2.ca
514 582-5272