Montréal, July 3, 2025 – The Conseil des arts de Montréal and En Piste, National Circus Arts Alliance, are proud to announce the recipient of the second annual Propulsion Award. Created to highlight the contributions of circus artists and professionals, the award honours an artist, cultural worker, collective, or organization that plays a key role in developing and enriching the circus arts. Accompanied by a $10,000 grant, the Propulsion Award stems from a three-year partnership initiated in 2024 between the Conseil and En Piste. In addition to the visibility and well-deserved recognition it brings, the award has a tangible impact on the recipient’s work and inspires the entire circus community.
For its catalytic role, the diversity of its activities—ranging from management to creation and dissemination—and its influence both in the city and within its own creative environment, the award goes to La compagnie des autres, based in Pointe-aux-Trembles.
From the outset of deliberations, awarding the Propulsion Prize to La compagnie des autres was unanimous. Jury members highlighted the organization’s energizing effect on the circus arts community and the recognition it receives from circus professionals in Montréal and throughout the province.
“The Conseil des arts de Montréal warmly congratulates La compagnie des autres, whose outstanding and genuinely structuring work brings renewed energy and vitality to the circus community. With solidarity and boldness, they’ve created a vibrant and generous space where artists can come together, create, dream—and above all—reach new heights. The Propulsion Award is our way of thanking them for their unique contribution to uplifting others while helping Montréal’s circus scene shine, especially by cultivating new artistic energy in the east end of the island,” said Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director of the Conseil.
Founded in 2020 by Antoine Carabinier Lépine, Nicolas Fortin, and Alice Kop, La compagnie des autres (LCDA) is dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and promoting circus arts through a model of shared knowledge and expertise. With a strong focus on values, health, talent, and the prosperity of individuals and communities, LCDA offers comprehensive project support and management services. Its ongoing development includes residencies, training, acrobatic gatherings, and events like the PointÔ Festival, held each June, showcasing circus and street performances. Now based in a former church in Pointe-aux-Trembles, the company is generating a lasting impact locally and throughout the greater Montréal area.
All 17 submitted projects impressed the jury, which consisted of five circus arts professionals. Four finalists were selected for presenting venue-based shows accessible to diverse audiences. In addition to La compagnie des autres, the finalists were: Le Mobile by La Marche du crabe, the Montréal Clown Festival, and Barka by Girovago. Each project met the Propulsion Award criteria by demonstrating artistic originality, inclusive and equitable practices, innovative organizational models, and a wide-reaching impact within and beyond Montréal.
The $10,000 Propulsion Award was presented in front of a live audience during the opening night of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE on July 3, by Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director of the Conseil des arts de Montréal. At the same event, Véronique Fontaine, President and CEO of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), awarded the Best Circus Work Prize to Frédérique Cournoyer Lessard for SCUSE. This award, also accompanied by a $10,000 grant, marks the first edition of a three-year partnership between CALQ and En Piste.
