VIBRER ENSEMBLE, 20 ANS D’EXPÉRIENCES MÉMORABLES, A MAJOR OPEN-AIR EXHIBITION IN THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES

Montreal, September 13, 2023 – To mark the 20^th anniversary of the Quartier des Spectacles’ inception, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership presents a major exhibition inspired by the memories of the district’s audiences and visitors. Vibrer ensemble, 20 ans d’expériences mémorables, designed by Urbania, will be presented on the Promenade des Artistes from September 13 to November 12.

A MAJOR ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

The photo exhibit celebrates the 20^th anniversary of the Quartier des Spectacles through the prism of memories and emotions. The Partnership issued a call inviting Montrealers – spectators, festivalgoers and the Quartier’s partners – to share memorable moments they experienced in Montreal’s cultural heart. Testimonials, stories and anecdotes were collected to form the basis of this exhibition, comprising some 50 photographs and dozens of testimonials. The show also includes illustrations by Lacharbonne and music by Antoine Bédard.

Presented on seven panels, the exhibition reveals every facet of the Quartier des Spectacles, recalling key moments and major works, along with reminiscences from some 40 remarkable people. By scanning QR codes found throughout the exhibit, visitors can listen to residents, producers and artists as they talk about their personal connections with the Quartier and key moments they experienced there.

A digital component, also produced by Urbania, complements the show with exclusive content, including video interviews with Samian, Anne-Marie Cadieux and Pierre Lapointe, talking about what the Quartier des Spectacles means to them. Visit expo-20-ans-qds.urbania.ca (in French).

QUOTES

“It has already been 20 years since the Quartier des Spectacles became a unifying force in the heart of downtown, helping our city shine at home and on the international stage. It is a great pleasure to celebrate 20 years of exceptional work by talented people, and to open this wonderful exhibition paying tribute to 25 individuals who have made immense contributions to the success of this vital neighbourhood. Thanks to their expertise, our Quartier des Spectacles is stronger than ever, and it is acclaimed around the world. I salute the commitment, passion and business acumen of the members of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership. We will continue to collaborate with them on bold creative projects for many years to come,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

“I want to congratulate the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership on its 20^th anniversary. I especially want to highlight the way this project – championed by visionaries at a time when the neighbourhood was dying – succeeded thanks to the commitment of the teams, managers and 85 partners who turned the Quartier into a unique and remarkable cultural district, earning Montreal and its creative talent a stellar global reputation,” said Mathieu Lacombe, Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister Responsible for Youth and Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and for the Outaouais region.

“Over the last two decades, the Quartier des Spectacles has become a crucial part of Montreal, where numerous local and visiting talents have brought vitality to the downtown core. It is the cultural heart of our metropolis, enhancing our city’s attractiveness and dynamism, and an excellent showcase for Montreal on the international stage,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region.

“Two decades after its creation, the Quartier des Spectacles is a thriving district that continues to evolve, surprise us and inspire us, thanks to the artists and other creators who energize it. They make the Quartier a source of wonderment not only for the people of Montreal, but for visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada is a longtime partner of the Quartier des Spectacles and will continue to support it in its projects, from the most conventional to the most eccentric. This exhibition, packed with memories and emotions, is a wonderful way to celebrate this unique place, and we hope the Quartier des Spectacles remains young at heart for many years to come. Long live the Quartier and the community it nurtures and that nurtures it in return,” said Steven Guilbeault, Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie.

“On this 20^th anniversary, we want to have a celebration worthy of our Quartier des Spectacles! The Quartier is Montreal’s cultural heart and the reflection of our city’s festive and artistic spirit, and it belongs to all Montrealers and creators. With this exhibition, we want to highlight our sense of pride and connectedness with this unique place, and reveal its many facets. I also want to express my thanks for the invaluable support of the municipal, provincial and federal governments for believing in this ambitious project 20 years ago, and I hope it will continue for many years to come,” said Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.

A VIDEO PROJECTION TRIBUTE

Alongside the exhibition, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership presents a new video projection, 20 ans d’audace et de culture, paying tribute to artists, artisans and professionals whose careers have been closely linked to the Quartier. The video projection features 20 profiles of 25 remarkable people, including a special mention for Yvon Deschamps in recognition of his exceptional career. The honourees were selected by a jury following a call for nominations issued to the partners of the Quartier des Spectacles. The work, produced by multidisciplinary artist Elizabeth Laferrière, will be projected on the façade of UQAM’s Pavillon Président-Kennedy every evening starting at sunset from September 13 to November 12.

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES

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.

More information: quartierdesspectacles.com

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES PARTNERSHIP

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

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

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Please include full captions and credits for the photos.

PRESS KITS

Exhibition Vibrer ensemble, 20 ans d'expériences mémorables

20 ans d'audace et de culture | Tribute video projection

MEDIA CONTACT

Mélanie Mingotaud
melanie@mingo2.ca
514 582-5272

SOURCE

Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles
Marie Lamoureux
marie.lamoureux@quartierdesspectacles.com
514 923-6772