Hydro-Québec, the Antonopoulos Group, Marcel Côté and Michel de la Chenelière winners of the 2012 Prix Arts-Affaires de Montréal

MONTREAL, June 11, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - This evening, at the Théâtre Rialto, the winners of the 2012 Prix Arts-Affaires de Montréal were announced. Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, and the Honourable Charles Lapointe, PC, president of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, presented the awards to Hydro-Québec (Large Enterprise category), the Antonopoulos Group (SME category), Marcel Côté (Arts-Business Personality category) and Michel de la Chenelière (Business Volunteer category).

The Prix Arts-Affaires de Montréal, an initiative of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the Conseil des arts de Montréal, recognizes the outstanding contribution of companies and individuals who support Montréal arts and cultural organizations. They encourage partnerships between the world of business and the world of the arts and provide a context to explore the different ways to support culture. Winners are chosen by an independent jury.

The evening is also an opportunity to raise the business community's awareness of the crucial role cultural organizations play in the city's economic development. The event was also the chance for Pierre Bourgie, president of the Société financière Bourgie and recipient of the Arts-Business Personality award in 2011, to present the findings of the task force on cultural philanthropy, formed in January by Québec Premier Pauline Marois, to increase cultural philanthropy in Québec.

"This year, the winners share the distinction of all having helped democratize art," Michel Leblanc says. "In addition to supporting an organization, they encouraged the consumption of culture and made it more accessible. The creativity that emerges from the arts is an essential source of innovation for our society and its business community. The city's reputation on the international scene is down to the vision of people and businesses of their calibre."

"The path taken by the business people recognized this evening demonstrates the fertile partnerships that exist between the business world and the world of the arts," the Honourable Charles Lapointe says. "We are proud of the contribution of these men and women to local artists. It is also encouraging to see that this form of involvement that the Conseil des arts de Montréal has always welcomed will gain impetus with the findings of the Bourgie report on cultural philanthropy.

The winners

Hydro-Québec, sponsored by the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, received the award in the Large Enterprise category. A major donor for the theatre's 50^th anniversary, a season presenter and a faithful partner for its benefit evenings, Hydro-Québec has maintained a commitment to this Montréal institution for 20 years now. More broadly, whether in symphony music, theatre or archeology, this major corporation supports culture in good times and in times of economic uncertainty. This support contributes to the development of arts and culture in Montréal, in addition to providing local and international exposure for works by Montréal artists.

In the same category, this year the jury wished to recognize the contribution of a second company. An award of excellence was presented to the Société de transport de Montréal, sponsored by Nuit blanche (MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE). As part of its efforts to bring people closer together, the STM supported Nuit blanche this year for the eighth time. Thanks to its support, capacity for integration and originality, the STM increased the attendance for Nuit blanche by making it more accessible.

In the SME category, the award was presented to the Antonopoulos Group, sponsored by the Fondation du Musée d'art contemporain. This SME, which has had a lasting and growth-generating relationship with its sponsor since 2009, contributed, through its passionate commitment and expertise in the area of food service and events, to making Les Printemps du MAC one of the not-to-be-missed events for young philanthropists.

The Arts-Business Personality award was presented to Marcel Côté, strategic advisor, KPMG Secor, sponsored by the Compagnie Marie-Chouinard. This businessman, who has been contributing to the organization for close to 20 years, supported and believed in contemporary dance at a time when it was a more marginal art form. His commitment, network of contacts and persuasiveness helped the Compagnie Marie Chouinard build the foundations on which it has been able to pursue its creative vision and become an internationally recognized dance company. His ambition, passion and vision make him an ally to the arts and a source of inspiration for young philanthropists.

Finally, the Business Volunteer award was presented to Michel de la Chenelière, president of the Fondation de la Chenelière, sponsored by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This philanthropist who cares deeply about education has been involved with the Museum for 10 years. Thanks to his outstanding financial support and expertise, Mr. de la Chenelière has enabled the Museum to completely redesign its educational spaces and put in place new studios that can accommodate more students.

Jury members were Éric Fournier, partner and executive producer at the Moment Factory, Alexandre Taillefer, managing partner of XPND Capital, Mario Tremblay, vice-president for public and corporate affairs at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Karla Étienne, executive assistant and performer at Zab Maboungou/Compagnie Danse Nyata Nyata and member of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, and Isabelle Chassé, co-founder of 7 doigts de la main.

About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.

About the Conseil des arts de Montréal
A dynamic partner of Montréal artistic creation, the Conseil des arts de Montréal supports and recognizes excellence in professional artistic creation, production, and distribution through financial support, advice, and cooperative and development actions. For over 50 years, the Conseil des arts de Montréal has contributed through its actions to the development of "Montréal, cultural metropolis."  

SOURCE: Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal

Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
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