January 10, 2024, Montréal – Le Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) and Le Conseil des arts de Montréal (CAM) are pleased to announce financial support for La mèche courte – arts vivants to prepare and produce a brand-new international performing arts festival for young audiences.
The CALQ and CAM will invest $775,000 over two years (2024–2026) to set the event up on the Island of Montréal in the fall of 2025. The project was selected last July through the CALQ’s exceptional funding application process.
A new festival
The organization La mèche courte – arts vivants was born out of the recent alliance of two well-known figures on the young audience theatre scene: Mélanie Dumont, playwright and Associate Artistic Director for the youth component of the National Arts Centre (NAC)’s French Theatre in Ottawa, and Sylvain Cornuau, currently Head of International Coordination, Cultural Diplomacy, and Partnerships at the Canada Council for the Arts and previously Outreach and Development Manager at Le Carrousel, compagnie de théâtre.
For the inaugural 2025 edition of the festival, the organization plans to offer a 10-day multidisciplinary program with shows, workshops, meetings and lively discussions, all infused with the intensity of true artistic joy. Fifteen shows and artistic experiences, half of which will be performed by international artists, will be presented in various Montréal theatres and public spaces.
“We are thrilled by the idea of a new international event that will give local audiences access to unique and astonishing works at a key point in the development of their imaginations! It is through partnership, through existing structures and expertise that this event will undoubtedly contribute to the incredible diversity of creations for youth. It will shake up stages around the world and strengthen its reputation in Quebec.
—Anne-Marie Jean, President and Executive Director, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
“It’s such a joy to witness the beginnings of an event with such a noble, essential mission. Let’s introduce young minds to a thousand and one ways to create! The energy of Montréal’s cultural metropolis is limitless. This diverse festival will delight audiences with local and international works in both high-profile and unexpected spaces. Congratulations to the new team on this exciting project.”
—Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director, Conseil des arts de Montréal
About La mèche courte – arts vivants
The new organization is making its mark with keen intention: highlight the magic of theatre, dance, and other artistic forms that are committed to youth. By creating artists, La mèche courte – arts vivants aims to breathe life into spaces and experiences, creating new connections and possibilities for today’s youth.
About Le Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) invests in the imagination and celebrates the successes of those who create memorable works, shape Québec’s cultural identity, and make it shine. With a view to equitable and sustainable artistic development, the CALQ supports creation, experimentation and production in the arts and letters throughout Quebec and promotes its dissemination in Quebec, Canada and abroad.
About Le Conseil des arts de Montréal
Through its various forms of assistance, the Conseil des arts de Montréal supports artistic innovation and creative expression in all its diversity, with the aim of promoting Montreal’s artists, producers and presenters. Since 1956, it has played a unique role as a catalyst, helping make Montréal a vibrant cultural metropolis, recognized at home and abroad for its artistic vitality.
Source
Lysandre Jobin
Communications Coordinator and Advisor
Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
lysandre.jobin@calq.gouv.qc.ca
Marie-Julie Théoret
Communications and Promotions Manager
Conseil des arts de Montréal
marie-julie.theoret@montreal.ca
