The MAC takes action to support Québec artists and their collaborators

MONTRÉAL, April 22, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) and the Fondation du MAC are launching a collective movement and taking concrete steps to support the Québec arts community. This initiative comes as we witness with growing concern the increasingly precarious situation of visual artists in Québec and their collaborators as they face the economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis.

Concrete Steps

The MAC has decided this year to devote its total acquisition budget (100%) to the purchase of works by artists living and working in Québec. By focusing the collection's 2020 acquisition priorities in this way, the Museum wishes to send a positive message while providing concrete support to artists who have chosen to produce in Québec.

Furthermore, in light of the overwhelming needs in the Arts sector, the MAC and its Fondation have taken on the challenge of doubling the Museum's annual acquisition budget of $300,000.

In order to reach this goal, the Fondation du MAC is launching a fundraising campaign aimed at the acquisition of works by artists living in Québec, for which it is soliciting the support and generosity of the Museum's major partners, collectors, and the public. 

Finally, in recognition of the urgency of the situation and the essential role of contemporary artists, the MAC is participating in the Foundation's collective appeal by immediately increasing its acquisition budget by $50,000.

The MAC Collection's Advisory Committee will meet as early as June, in order to quickly funnel much needed funds to working artists.

"The MAC is an essential part of the Québec visual arts community. As such, we must act to support our community by being attentive to what is happening while respecting our mission and mandate," noted John Zeppetelli, Director and Chief curator of the MAC. "By enhancing the Museum's acquisition budget," he added, "we want to underline the importance of the work of Québec contemporary artists and their collaborators, and to help raise their spirits and give them hope."

"It was urgent for us at the Fondation du MAC to develop a relevant and coherent philanthropic project in these very uncertain times," stated Anne-Marie Barnard, Executive Director of the Fondation du MAC. "Enhancing the Museum's acquisition budget through a fundraising campaign seemed to be the most obvious and concrete way to provide positive support to Québec artists and gallery owners. We have set the goal of rallying financial partners to the cause, and we are inviting all of our visitors, members, and lovers of art and culture to join us. The idea is to act together to have maximum impact. Every donation counts."

The MAC collection: the social heritage of all Quebecers

The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal collection is a public institution. With more than 8,000 works, its collection bears witness to contemporary social issues, and as such is a part of our heritage.

A collection that tells the story of our times

Born out of the vision of a community determined to exhibit and acquire the contemporary art of different eras, the collection must reflect the profound and sudden transformations that we are living through today. The events and challenges of our times are being pondered in artists' studios, and the works that will result from these reflections must continue to reach the public.

Acquisition process and approach

The Museum's approach to acquisition is guided by its Politique de gestion des collections (collection management policy) and follows the recommendations of the collection's Advisory Committee. The Museum's collection prioritizes new works by emerging artists, production by the most important Québec artists in terms of their impact and influence, and works by the artists in the Museum's exhibition program. The MAC collection includes works by Indigenous artists and artists from within Québec's cultural diversity, and it respects gender parity.

Acknowledgements

The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal is a provincially owned corporation funded by the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec. It receives additional funding from the Government of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts. 

Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal

Located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal makes today's art a vital part of Montréal and Québec life. For more than fifty years, this vibrant museum has brought together local and international artists, their works and an ever-growing public. It is also a place of discovery, offering visitors experiences that are continually changing and new, and often unexpected and stirring. The MAC presents temporary exhibitions devoted to outstanding and relevant current artists who provide their own particular insight into our society, as well as exhibitions of works drawn from the museum's extensive collection. These may feature any and every form of expression: digital and sound works, installations, paintings, sculptures, ephemeral pieces, and more. In addition to its wide range of educational activities familiarizing the general public with contemporary art, the MAC organizes unique artistic performances and festive events. It is a window onto a myriad of avant-garde expressions that extend the reach of art throughout the city and beyond. macm.org/en/

SOURCE Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal