Launch of the 2010 edition of the Prix Arts-Affaires de Montréal

MONTREAL, Nov. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - The co-chairs of the Honorary Committee for the Prix Arts-Affaires de Montréal, Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, and Louise Roy, Chair of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, today launched the 2010 edition of the event. Every year, arts and cultural organizations from the metropolitan area who have benefited from the assistance of the business community are invited to participate in the awards to express their gratitude.

The Prix Arts-Affaires are for arts and cultural organizations in Greater Montréal who have received the support of a large or small business or an individual from the business world. This year there is also an award for Business Volunteer. This new award is to recognize the contribution of businesspeople who invest in culture and the arts by donating their expertise in their sector of activity.

"The Prix Arts-Affaires are an opportunity for the artistic and cultural community to recognize the invaluable aid of businesspeople during the previous year," said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. "But the event is also an opportunity to express something other than thanks. It sends a clear message to the entire business community: supporting culture means supporting the balanced development of our city and our collective identity." 

"I am also very excited about the new award, the goal of which is to recognize volunteer efforts among businesspeople," Mr. Leblanc said. "By sharing their expertise and their energy, these inspiring people contribute in their own way to the economic vitality of the artistic and cultural community of our city. I hope this new award will inspire others to do the same."

Louise Roy, Chair of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, said: "In a global economy based on knowledge, innovation and creativity, a strong artistic and creative presence in Montréal gives the city an undeniable competitive edge. This is why the involvement of businesspeople in arts and culture is essential. Their commitment, which takes different forms, can improve the working conditions of artists, help productions achieve wider dissemination and strengthen organizations. This call for nominations for the 2010 edition of the Prix Arts-Affaires de Montréal is a means of putting the spotlight on the best partnerships of the year. Every affiliation that is forged between arts organizations and businesses is good for business, productive for the arts and excellent for the community."

Arts and cultural organizations can nominate their business partners until February 1, 2011. Their partners must have been involved during the reference period from September 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. Details about the awards are available on the Web at: www.ccmm.qc.ca/prix-arts-affaires and www.artsmontreal.org/prixartsaffaires.php.

The honourees for the 2009 edition were TELUS, nominated by the National Theatre School of Canada (Large Enterprise category), Les Brasseurs du Nord, nominated by Vues d'Afrique (SME category) and Maurice Forget, a partner at Fasken Martineau, nominated by the Stewart Hall Art Gallery (Arts/Business Personality category).

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."

For further information:

Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: [phone], extension 4015
[email protected]

Christian O'Leary
Director of Communications and Development
Conseil des arts de Montréal
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]