The Mtl En Arts Festival Is Giving Rue Sainte Catherine A Temporary Makeover
For so many events this year, programs have had to adapt to the realities of the 2020 festival season. One of the most colourful festivals, Mtl en Arts, has begun its latest edition, Mtl en Arts - 2.0, which will be both virtual and on the street. The festival began on July 20 and will run all the way until September 13.
Run by SPDAC, a not-for-profit organization, since 2000, Mtl en Arts is "a major event in the creation and diffusion of visual arts in Montreal's cultural scene that brings the creativity of artists to the public."
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The site also lists the organization's objectives, including to
"demystify contemporary art, by proposing a direct exchange between artists and the public," and "better representation of multicultural diversity artists."
Another goal is to "increase attendance and economic spin-offs in the neighbourhood."
In years past, the festival has found its home on over a kilometre of Sainte Catherine, one of the city's main retail streets and one of the main hubs of art and culture, welcoming visitors to meet a range of artists from a variety of disciplines.
This year, the festival will consist of four activities, both online and in-person, 60 artists and more.
On July 20, two local artists, Mathieu Connery and Roadworth, began the Public Art project.
The two have created ground art on the theme of distancing, fitting with the ongoing topic this year. The work will be on display until October 12.
Other activities include Live Art from July 30 to September 13, the "creation of 18 large-format works on mobile support," and a virtual exhibition from August 17 to 31, which will showcase the works of thirty artists.
There will also be an online auction from September 1 to 13.
So, for anyone who loves both art and Montreal — get excited!
Mtl en Arts
When: Happening now until September 13
Where: Physically on rue Sainte Catherine and virtually