Prix Opus Montréal — Inclusion and Diversity

Who is eligible for this award?

This award is given to an artist, collective or organization from a culturally diverse and/or Indigenous background, and/or an artist, collective or organization that implements inclusive practices in the service of groups that are under-represented or often excluded from cultural practices in Montréal and which, through its outstanding achievements in concert music over the last Opus season, had a significant artistic and/or social impact on the members of such communities.

What are the program objectives?

This award fulfils one of our most important strategic objectives: equity and representativeness in support of our “Impact” strategic pillar. More specifically, it supports three of the five key initiatives set out in our strategic plan:

• Increase the identification of artists and organizations from priority groups and better represent the multiple faces and dimensions of the Montréal population
• Consolidate funding and support for priority groups defined by the equity policy and newly welcomed to CAM
• Continue to support the arts community in the fight against racism and discrimination to ensure greater representation of diversity

What is the value of the award?

The Prix Opus Montréal – Inclusion and Diversity is a $10,000 prize offered by the Conseil des arts de Montréal to the winner.

What do program partners contribute?

The Conseil des arts de Montréal is proud to partner with the Conseil québécois de la musique for this annual Prix Opus award.

How many prizes will be awarded?

Only one prize is awarded each year.

What are the general eligibility requirements?

The majority of candidates (51% or more) must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and reside ordinarily in Québec. Candidates who have resided outside Québec for two years or more are ineligible, unless they retained their Québec residency status. In this case, it is their responsibility to prove their eligibility by confirming their participation in the Québec health insurance plan. In the case of a recital or duo, candidates must meet the above criteria.

• Applications must be submitted by the application deadline.
• It is not necessary to be a member of the Conseil québécois de la musique to apply.

What are the special eligibility requirements?

An artist, collective or organization from a culturally diverse and/or Indigenous background, and/or an artist, collective or organization that implements inclusive practices in the service of groups that are under-represented or often excluded from cultural practices in Montréal.

When must the project be carried out?

Applicants must carry out their projects between September 5, 2023 and September 2, 2024. 

Who is ineligible to apply?

Artists, collectives and organizations that do not meet the general and special eligibility requirements.

How do I submit an application?

Please refer to the Conseil québécois de la musique website for more information and to submit your application.

How are applications evaluated?

The annual composition of all juries is the responsibility of the Prix Opus coordinator, who ensures that juries are balanced and representative in keeping with the policy on equity, diversity and inclusion adopted by the Conseil québécois de la musique.

What are the evaluation criteria?

• The file is complete, well-founded and showcases the candidate. (6%)
• The file is clearly presented and the French is impeccable. (4%)
• The application demonstrates genuine intercultural or inclusive dialogue, both in its achievements and with the public. (30%)
• Achievements have a positive impact on under-represented groups (Aboriginals, First Nations, Métis and Inuit, people from visible minorities, people of diverse abilities, people from ethno-cultural minorities) in the community. (25%)
• The candidate enhances music through bold and distinctive achievements. (25%)
• The artistic quality of the candidate’s work is excellent and the artists involved are of the highest calibre. (10%)

What is the response time?

The winner will be announced at the Gala des Prix Opus on February 2, 2025.

How will the grant be paid?

The $10,000 award will be paid in a single payment by the Conseil québécois de la musique on behalf of the Conseil des arts de Montréal after the gala.