THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES WILL HOST THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE GLOBAL CULTURAL DISTRICTS NETWORK, FROM MAY 22 TO 26, 2023

Montreal, May 12, 2023 – The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and Quartier des Spectacles International (QDSinternational) will host the ninth annual Convening of the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) from May 22 to 26, 2023. Eighty speakers from 16 countries will be in Montreal for discussions on the theme of The Value(s) of Cultural Districts. In all, there will be some 40 talks and workshops. The GCDN is a group of urban arts and cultural centers whose leaders are invited to cooperate and share knowledge on the design, financing, construction and management of cultural districts.

On Thursday, May 25, a day with a special focus on Montreal’s cultural ecosystem, the managers of local public spaces and local creators will take part in a day of discussions and networking focused on the development and dynamism of cultural districts. Creators will share their vision and work aimed at amplifying the vitality of cities and contributing to the transformation of urban life. The conference will be an opportunity to meet more than 200 managers of cultural districts and venues, experts and decision makers from around the world.

The choice of dates for this major event was made to coincide with other international cultural events, particularly Festival TransAmériques and C2 Montréal, in order to offer participants a rich and diverse cultural experience. The convergence of events will allow visitors to make the most of their time in Montreal, with opportunities to discover multiple facets of the city and its cultural ecosystem. Tours of the Quartier des Spectacles and the artistic and participatory installations for which Montreal is famous will also be organized for the international delegates.

This international event is made possible thanks to the support of the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture, Jackworld, the the Société de développement commercial Montréal centre-ville, Tourisme Montreal, the Ville de Montréal and the Gouvernement du Québec, including SODEC, the Ministère des relations internationales et de la Francophonie, the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie and the ministère de la Culture des des Communications.

The conference also benefits from the support of valuable cultural partners: Place des Arts, C2 Montréal, FTA, SAT, Xn Québec, La Piscine, Centre Phi, Culture Montréal, MT Lab, Printemps numérique et MTL 24/24.

PROGRAM FOR MAY 25:

The talks and panel discussions, presented in English or French, will feature local and international participants who will cover such topics as:

• Amplifying the vitality of downtowns and contributing to the evolution of urban life;

• The role of creative industries in the future of cities;

• Economic and governance models for cultural districts;

• Best practices for encouraging community involvement;

• Peaceful co-existence in public spaces.

The day’s activities will be held at Place des Arts and will conclude with the opening party for the ninth season of Les Jardins Gamelin.

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES AND THE PARTNERSHIP

The Quartier des Spectacles is 20 years old! 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 QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES INTERNATIONAL

Quartier des Spectacles International (QDSinternational) is a non-profit organization that produces and distributes participatory installations for public spaces in collaboration with creative partners, co-producers and exhibitors around the world. An affiliate of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, QDSinternational draws on extensive expertise built over many years, thanks to the numerous works commissioned to animate North America’s largest cultural district. These works have sparked the imagination of thousands of visitors. The organization’s expertise is reflected in cutting-edge processes for the design and production of robust, safe installations suitable for all ages and all seasons. QDSinternational relies on a network of first-rate collaborators and technical service providers active in the international presentation of public artworks and installations. These partners allow QDSinternational to produce large-scale projects and offer turnkey options adapted to the needs and realities of each site.

More information: qdsinternational.com

ABOUT THE GLOBAL CULTURAL DISTRICTS NETWORK (GCDN)

The worldwide membership of the Global Cultural Districts Network includes cultural institutions and districts responsible for the design, funding, construction and operation of urban districts with strong creative and artistic components. Members discuss emerging best practices, the role of cultural districts and complexes in urban policy, economic development, and related public policy fields such as travel, culture and tourism. These topics are also discussed during the GCDN’s annual Convening. The GCDN is an initiative of AEA Consulting.

More information: gcdn.net

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MEDIA CONTACT  

Mélanie Mingotaud
Communications Mingotwo  
melanie@mingo2.ca  
514 582-5272   

SOURCE

Marie Lamoureux
marie.lamoureux@quartierdesspectacles.com
514 923-6772