Initiatives for Cultural Diversity

Montreal is enriched by the various cultures that make up its population—which is why the Conseil des arts de Montréal makes a point of accurately reflecting the city’s diverse artistic visions and practices. The increasing number of artists from ethnocultural¹ communities, visible minorities² and First Nations³ poses challenges with regard to their integration into the professional arts community. Moreover, these artists often explore subjects and issues reflecting a minority ethnic identity that is non-Western, mixed-race or Aboriginal.

To facilitate the long-term inclusion of these artists, the Conseil devised a new strategy in 2003. Its aim was to better understand their art, so as to guide them in their professional careers and make the artistic community more aware, more understanding and more open to diversity. It was also designed to give them on-the-spot assistance, to establish them in their proper discipline, and to inform them of the avenues open to them. With these initiatives, the Conseil took a leadership role in recognizing cultural diversity in the arts.

The Policy for the Promotion and Development of Cultural Diversity in the Arts, adopted in 2006, was based on four main pillars: recognition, professional development, participation and dialogue. Now at the end of its term, this policy is currently under review.

The Welcome and Referral service is tailored to the reality of artists from diverse backgrounds. Newly-arrived artists can find basic information here about the professional community. The service also offers fact-finding and training sessions, scheduled on a regular basis.
The Touring Program (Conseil des arts de Montréal en tournée) has allowed numerous culturally diverse projects to circulate within the city’s presentation networks. Such artists or groups as Çavana, Karem Tam, Asa Nisi Masa, Lubo Alexandro-Kaba Horo, Musika le trio Damian Nisenson+2, Zal Idrissa Sissokho and Buntalo have all received support over the past few years.

The new program démArt-Mtl, stemming from a collaboration between DAM and the Conseil, offers professional training sessions intended for culturally diverse artists.
Launched in collaboration with four partners, the Diversity Award recognizes a promising artist or group of artists working in the field of world music. It offers one year of professional touring and financial assistance, as well as guidance in creation, production, presentation and promotion.

Several programs have resulted from agreements between public and private partners, including Prélude, Vivacité and the Ateliers studios Saguenay-Montréal. They offer financial assistance to culturally diverse artists, helping them to develop their art and raise their public profile.
A useful directory—167 Worlds to Discover—Directory of Artistic Diversity in Montreal— is another promotional tool created for Montreal’s culturally diverse artists. This project is both a publication and a website. To register on-line, consult the Artistic Diversity of Montreal website.

For more information on our programs and services supporting cultural diversity in the arts, please contact:

Iulia-Anamaria Salagor
Project Manager, Cultural Diversity in the Arts
Tel.: (514) 280.3583
Fax: (514) 280.3789
iasalagor.p@ville.montreal.qc.ca

¹ Cultural or ethnocultural communities refer to all persons whose origin is other than Canadian, Quebec, French, British, or First Nations.

² According to the Employment Equity Act, the term “visible minority” applies to persons other than Aboriginals who are “non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour.”

³ First Nations People are generally understood to be Canadian Aboriginals, both registered and non-registered. A First Nations member is recognized as such by his or her community. An Aboriginal is a person whose ancestors were the first inhabitants of North America, who settled here before the arrival of Canada's founding peoples. The Canadian Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes three Aboriginal groups: Indian (according to the Indian Act of 1876, and called Amerindians in Quebec), Inuit and Métis. Having a specific political status, Aboriginals are not considered ethnocultural communities.