Montréal Space for Life and the Conseil des arts de Montréal Announce the Winner of Their First Joint Competition, L'Esprit des lieux

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 4, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal Space for Life and the Conseil des arts de Montréal are proud to announce the winner of their first joint competition, l'Esprit des lieux. The jury unanimously chose the bold production proposed by Louis-Xavier Gagnon-Lebrun and Félix Dagenais, of ATOMIC3 inc. They will be given the task of designing the lighting for an all-new nighttime walk through the First Nations Garden, a unique experience that will add another dimension to the fourth edition of the Gardens of Light, in fall 2015.

"Montréal is a vibrant, diverse and exciting cultural metropolis that is sure to benefit from this partnership. Once again, this project illustrates the expertise of our four institutions in presenting live collections and an equally effervescent culture, helping once again to position Montréal Space for Life as a national and even international reference in education and cultural mediation," notes Manon Gauthier, Montréal Executive Committee member responsible for culture, heritage, design, Space for Life and the status of women.

"Just like Montréal Space for Life itself, this artistic proposal just naturally combines art, science and emotion. This innovative nighttime walk will give visitors a whole new way of experiencing our connection with nature, this time through the cultural wealth of the First Nations," emphasizes Space for Life Executive Director Charles-Mathieu Brunelle.

"The innovative proposals received for this competition clearly show the artistic vitality of Montréal creatives," says Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director of the Conseil des arts de Montréal. "The Council is proud to have helped select such a promising project, which will showcase local talent."

About the l'Esprit des lieux competition and the winner
Three of the seven submissions in response to the joint call for proposals by Space for Life and the Conseil des arts de Montréal were considered. Following a rigorous screening process, the committee unanimously settled on the proposal by Gagnon-Lebrun and Dagenais. The members praised the quality of the artists' work, the powerful immersive concept and the script for the artistic proposal, along with the way it communicates the mission of the First Nations Garden and Space for Life.

To add to the authenticity of their work, Gagnon-Lebrun and Dagenais will be taking an inclusive approach aimed at translating the "spirit" of Native culture. In addition to working closely with the team from the First Nations Garden, they will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team with solid experience in everything from the design of interactive multimedia installations to the lighting of award-winning, world-renowned shows and architectural elements. After founding ATOMIC3 inc., the two artists worked with their team to create the Wall of Sound in Lausanne (winner of the Live Design Excellence Award, 2013), the Iceberg installation in 2012 and Éclats de verre in 2011 for the Montréal Quartier des spectacles. Gagnon-Lebrun also designed the lighting of The Blue Dragon in 2009 (Gascon Roux award), Playing Cards: Spades in 2012 and Hearts in 2013, directed by Robert Lepage, and designed and created installations such as Le Potager des visionnaires, produced by the Musée de la civilisation and DRAGONE (Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Canadian Museums Association, 2009).

About Montréal Space for Life
Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Botanical Garden, Biodôme, Insectarium and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.

About the Conseil des arts de Montréal
A dynamic partner of artistic creativity in Montreal, the Conseil des arts de Montréal identifies, supports and recognizes excellence and innovation in the creation, production and presentation of professional artistic endeavours. It encourages experimentation, discovery and daring at the heart of Montreal's artistic landscape, thanks to its initiatives that stimulate emerging and culturally diverse artists. Since 1956, the Conseil des arts de Montréal has been an influential player in the development of "Montreal, Cultural Metropolis."

SOURCE: Espace pour la vie

Contact our team: Karine Jalbert, Communication Co-ordinator, Espace pour la vie, 514 872-1453, [email protected]; Tania Orméjuste, Director of Communications and Territorial Initiatives, Conseil des arts de Montréal, 514-280-3991, [email protected]