 11 years ago, a unique space opened in Montreal with an avant-gardist vision of what the cultural scene of this cosmopolitan city should reflect. Showing great leadership, Montreal, arts interculturels , commonly known as the MAI, promoted the renewal of art practices, while focusing on interculturalism as a basis for connecting all communities... [+]
Welcome to the MAI
The MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) is the home of artists and intercultural art. It is a melting-pot of genres and styles where the artistic realities of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada are reflected.
This is the only organization in Montreal or even Canada’s artistic milieu specifically mandated to promote intercultural artistic practices.
Vested with this mandate, the MAI assumes all of the following roles:
Presenter: providing a space where artists of diverse cultural backgrounds can present their work in professional conditions.
Facilitator: seeking out target audiences and linking them up with the artists by organizing activities. The MAI also facilitates the understanding of artist statements rooted in non-western artistic traditions.
Mentor: helping artists of diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds in teir professional careers to achieve projects in terms of finances, production, logistics, and promotion, among others.
Meeting place: The MAI’s doors are open to local, national, and international artists, to audiences from all walks of life, and to various members of the artistic milieu, providing an ideal place for discussion and networking with partners, old and new.
History of the MAI
An independent, non-profit organization, le Regroupement pour le développement des pratiques artistiques interculturelles was founded by the Table de concertation sur le dialogue entre les cultures in 1990. In 1998, the Regroupement created MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels), with the support of the City of Montreal. Provided with a theatre, a gallery space, a café and two rehearsal rooms, MAI officially opened to the public in May 1999.
Mandate of le Regroupement pour le développement des pratiques artistiques interculturelles
1. 1. To expand cultural horizons by promoting intercultural exchange and dialogue within the community.
2. To promote and encourage intercultural artistic practice in the professional milieus of creation and presentation as well as its outreach.
3. To create links between government and private sector organizations and institutions.
4. To create exchanges with similar organizations internationally.
[See Board of Directors list of members] |
