public +

where art breaks down barriers

All My Relations, Daphne Boyer. Photo © Lina Samoukova

The Public+ program builds connections between artists, audiences and local communities through activities and projects that run parallel to the programming. It is also through this program that MAI offers various innovative ways to make works more accessible to diverse audiences. These initiatives are adapted to MAI’s programming and change with the seasons. Public + stimulates sharing and dialogue with the following projects.

public + activities and projects

relaxed performance

facilitate accessibility

Every year, MAI presents relaxed performances. A relaxed performance (RP) refers to a show that is open to all, and may specifically address the needs of people who identify with a sensory or intellectual disability, a neurological or learning disability, people who experience anxiety, people with newborns or anyone who is uncomfortable with the conventions of a traditional theatre environment. There will be a more relaxed attitude to noise and movement within the theatre during the performance. The reception, soundscape and visual atmosphere can be adapted to create a calm and inclusive environment. Additional support tools are also made available to the audience, such as a detailed show guide, visual stories, familiarization visits, etc.

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audio description for blind or partially sighted audience members

Live audio description consists in describing the visual elements of a work for a blind or partially sighted audience. This includes a workshop before the performance to become familiar with the artists and narrators’ voices, and different stage elements like sets and costumes. As part of season 23.24, Waawaate Fobister's performance of Omaagomaan will be presented in audio description (February 10, 2024).

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Sign Language Interpreted Performance (ASL or/and LSQ)

Sign Language Interpreted Performances are available for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing audiences. Interpreters will be present at the box office 1 hour before each performance. Several events will be offered with LSQ and ASL interpreters during the 23.24 season, including the season launch and screening of the film "Vibrations from Gaza" by Rehab Nazzal.

THE ARTIST INVITES YOU

THE ARTIST INVITES YOU is an opportunity for programmed artists, based in Montreal, to invite a small group of people to attend one of their performances free of charge. Community organizations, student groups, activists, elders, etc. Anyone can be included in this special initiative!

Talkback

Post-show conversations offer moments of intimate encounter between the artists and the public. Discussions usually take place after the Friday evening performance and are moderated by a person chosen by the artist. It is also an opportunity for the public to ask questions to the artistic team.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops offered by MAI bring together artists who are part of the programming and various communities with whom the artists wish to collaborate.

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Childcare during performances

In order to allow them to engage with the MAI's activities from an early age, and thus make it easier for you to enjoy the programming, we have set up a childcare area on certain performance days.

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interactive visits

throughout the year

MAI is committed to fostering accessibility through dialogue and more intimate experiences with contemporary art. Whether you are a school, community, or other group, MAI offers guided, interactive visits of its visual arts exhibits year-round. Tours are adapted to groups’ different needs. Please contact us for for information.

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WEBCASTING

Webcasting makes shows accessible to people who cannot come to the MAI.

Research in residence - Arts civic impact

"Ensemble" is a creative research project undertaken by Aaron Richmond, as part of Mass Culture's research-in-residence program, "Arts Civic Impact." MAI is the host organization for this research project. "Ensemble" is a collective co-teaching experiment that asks two fundamental questions: which creative approaches think about dance beyond the visual aspect and how do we measure the success or impact of these approaches within a community of peers with diverse visions?

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PODIUM

lecture series

A lecture series that encourages speakers to hold forth on a broad range of issues and in manners that deviate from convention, the speaker choosing how you will ‘hear’ and/or experience their words.

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PRÉAMBULE

video interviews

Back for it's second season in 21.22, Préambule presents original video interviews highlighting the practice of artists who are part of MAI's programming.

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PLAYING OUTSIDE IN THE PARK

Playing outside in the park is a new project by the MAI that presents small neighbourhood shows to enliven community life. These shows are presented free of charge during the summer season in order to brighten up living environments and to offer a unifying moment to the big and small people who live there. For the first edition in 2022, the MAI has joined forces with the neighbourhood group le Nord des possibles to present the multidisciplinary Métis artist MOE CLARK and Mexican musician AHAU MARINO.

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collective exhibition

Serge-Garant Park

MAI, le service de la culture de l’arrondissement de Ville-Marie, and la Société de développement commercial (SDC) are working together to present an outdoor group exhibition at Serge-Garant Park, near the Beaudry metro station.

Use of vibrotactile devices for deaf audiences

The use of vibrotactile vests adds a new way of experiencing the rhythms that is not restricted to the auditory aspect.

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