Montréal, February 10, 2026 — In 2025, Montréal revelled in a surge of creativity that moved voices, bodies and ideas. Across the city, artists brought communities together, challenged our assumptions and sparked fundamental conversations, striking a chord and shaping the way we saw the world.
A tradition spanning four decades, the Grand Prix du Conseil des arts de Montréal pays tribute to artists and arts organizations that shake up, illuminate and transform our city with remarkable works. On April 2, 2026, at noon, the Palais des congrès de Montréal will be the setting for the announcement of the winner of the 40th Grand Prix du CAM. The award has a total value of $50,000, including an unprecedented $40,000 prize and an original work created especially for the winning artist or organization.
Among the finalists are eight creative forces whose works challenge and enlighten us all: Agora de la danse; Artificiel.org – Eisode; Ciné-Quartier; La Messe Basse; Manuel Mathieu; Montréal, arts interculturels (MAI); the No Excuses No Limits program and the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts. Discover the power of their creativity and their impact in Montréal on the Grand Prix website.
Who will make waves at this anniversary edition? The incomparable actress and host Édith Cochrane will no doubt captivate the 900 guests expected to come to the live event and find out. There’s no doubt her electrifying energy and quick wit will set this grand celebration of the arts on fire!
Artists, cultural workers and representatives of the municipal and business communities will be on hand for this CAM signature event, which has recognized the outstanding contributions of Montréal arts organizations since 1985. Tickets and tables are on sale now.
RESONANCES: 40 YEARS OF THE GRAND PRIX DU CAM EXHIBITION
In parallel with the event, the Maison du Conseil (Gaston-Miron Building) is presenting an exhibition through April 24.
VOTE FOR THE PRIX DU PUBLIC TÉLÉ-QUÉBEC
Take a look at our eight finalists’ creations and vote for the project that resonates with you the most! The artist or organization that receives the most votes will receive a $10,000 prize from Télé-Québec. And just by voting, you could win $500 to spend on cultural activities presented by more than 750 Montréal arts organizations.
Which project do you find most inspiring? Vote now!
$100,000 IN CASH PRIZES TO BE AWARDED AT THE GRAND PRIX
The prestigious Grand Prix comes with a cash prize, now increased to $40,000, and an original work created for the winning artist or organization and valued at $10,000. At the April 2 ceremony, two other awards will be presented: the Prix du jury, awarded by the Desjardins Caisse de la Culture, and the Prix du public Télé-Québec, each with a $10,000 prize. In addition, generous patrons of the arts will also provide each finalist with an additional $5,000 prize.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EIGHT FINALISTS FOR THE 40th GRAND PRIX
Agora de la danse
For 35 years, Agora de la danse has been growing and developing under the visionary leadership of Francine Bernier, establishing itself as an essential hub of choreographic creation in Montréal. In 2025, a remarkable season attracted record audiences as the organization ramped up the number of residencies, co-productions and collaborations. With nearly 400 projects supported since its inception, Agora has become a driving force behind the future of dance in Montréal.
Artificiel.org – Eisode
Artificiel.org, a groundbreaking organization in digital, media, sound and performance arts, is redefining the way we experience art with its Eisode project in the Ahuntsic neighbourhood—a unique undertaking that invites contemplation. In 2025, memorable exhibitions revealed the full power of this artistic vision, where technology becomes sensitive and emotional material.
Ciné-Quartier
Quality films in your very own neighbourhood: that’s the mission of Ciné-Quartier. Backed by a remarkable level of engagement, the organization has reinvented an accessible and user-friendly cinematic experience in micro-cinema mode. In 2025, its 190 screenings, including discussions with filmmakers and free outdoor events, helped advance cultural accessibility across the island.
La Messe Basse
La Messe Basse is a theatre company that has made a name for itself with daring works that are both intimate and universal. In 2025, hard on the heels of Sur tes traces, Corps fantômes scored a hit: Presented at Duceppe, the story moves from intimate confidences to a historical political fresco, delving into the struggles of the LGBTQ2+ community in the midst of the AIDS crisis in a work that blends documentary rigour with a lyrical style.
Manuel Mathieu
Manuel Mathieu explores painting as a ritual where colour and matter become memory, pain and resilience. In 2025, he left a masterful mark on Montréal: In the Édouard-Montpetit REM station, Le Mont habité featured five monumental mosaics, while at PHI, Unité dans la noirceur showcased paintings, ceramics, video and vibrant works.
Montréal, arts interculturels (MAI)
For 25 years, MAI has been creating spaces where different voices meet, respond to one other and transform, championing artistic risk-taking and multidisciplinary and multicultural practices. In 2025, under the theme Revenir à l’amour, a season of exhibitions, residencies and projects highlighted Indigenous perspectives, hybridity and the diversity of abilities.
No Excuses No Limits program
Luca Patuelli—aka Lazylegz—and his collective ILL-Abilities have been putting breakdancing by performers with atypical bodies in the spotlight, turning limitation into creative élan for more than 15 years. After adding spark and sizzle to the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and taking part in the Vancouver Invictus Games in early 2025, the movement presented the 8th edition of the NO LIMITS festival with its usual infectious energy.
Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)
In 2025, the MMFA established itself more strongly than ever as a place for intercultural connections and dialogue, distinguished by its strong commitment to Indigenous arts. A striking example is provided by Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors, the largest exhibition ever devoted to one of Canada’s most prominent artists on the world stage, whose paintings are as dazzling as they are subversive.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
The Conseil extends its warmest thanks to its major partners, whose substantial support has made it possible to recognize the finalists and winners of the 40th Grand Prix: Loto-Québec, Télé-Québec, Desjardins Caisse de la Culture and La Presse, as well as Leeroy, its creative partner. A big thank-you also goes to our patrons and donors for their donations, which help support the finalists and the artistic performances presented at the 40th Grand Prix: Power Corporation of Canada, Bell, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Quebecor and Tourisme Montréal.
About the Conseil des arts de Montréal
Founded in 1956, the Conseil des arts de Montréal supports artistic innovation and creative expression in all their diversity by offering various forms of support to promote Montréal artists and organizations that create, produce and present art. For 70 years, it has played a unique role as a catalyst and helped make Montréal a vibrant cultural metropolis, recognized at home and abroad for its artistic vitality.
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MEDIA RELATIONS
Rosemonde Communications
Rosemonde Gingras
514 458-8355
rosemonde@rosemondecommunications.com
SOURCE
Elisa Desoer
Strategic Communications Advisor, Conseil des arts de Montréal
514 280-6973
elisa.desoer@Montréal.ca
