Montréal's 375th anniversary sparks huge interest: 715 projects submitted for celebrating 2017!

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 29, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is astounded by the flood of ideas received this past December 19, the closing date of its call for major projects. The 715 projects submitted far outnumbered expectations and proves excitement is building as the city gears up for the 2017 festivities. All projects are currently being evaluated according to the same rigorous selection process that will last until spring, when the overall budget for the celebrations will be unveiled.

"Once again, Montréal lives up to its reputation as a creative city. We are pleasantly surprised by the number of responses from people. With 715 projects from sectors as diverse as culture, sports, history, new technologies and the environment, the momentum is continuing to build for Montréal's 375th celebrations. Most of the projects come from Montréal, but the profusion of ideas and energy extended beyond the city's borders as we have received proposals from many regions of Québec, Ontario, Belgium and France as well," explained Gilbert Rozon, Commissioner for the celebrations.

As soon as the holidays were over, the Society's Programming executive got to work on the project evaluation process with a committee of volunteers chosen for their respective areas of expertise. This first review will allow the Society to consider, in particular, the financial and technical matters of each proposal. The result of this review will then be submitted to the programming committee, which will make its recommendations to the board of directors. The latter will make the final selection of projects and determine the financing to be allocated to each. These decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Later this spring, when the overall budget of the celebrations is revealed, the Society will be able to send responses to the bidders.

A call for projects in the boroughs
The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary will launch another call for projects this spring in collaboration with the 19 boroughs. The aim is to identify projects that celebrate the 375th throughout Montréal's different neighbourhoods.

Fast facts:

• 715 projects submitted to the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
• The majority of bidders are from Greater Montréal as well as Québec, Ontario, France and Belgium
• The projects encompass various sectors: culture, sports, history, new technologies, environment and more
• The selection criteria aims to generate tangible spin-offs:
  • Takes a creative approach to the editorial line "Building bridges"
  • Forms a coherent part of the programming vision of the 375th
  • Offers economic or tourism spin-offs and provides Montréal with visibility on the national and international stage
  • Leaves a tangible or intangible legacy beyond 2017
  • Presents a realistic budget that includes recourse to other sources of revenue
  • Proposes a realistic project that the bidder is able to complete
• 3 steps, rigorous selection process:
  1. The executive of the Society's programming committee, backed by an expert committee of volunteers
  2. The programming committee, reporting to the Society's board of directors  
  3. The board of directors

About the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the 2017 celebrations. The flexible and agile small team acts as a catalyst for combining the strengths of different private and public partners. It works with existing expertise and structures to rigorously manage funds, develop quality programming and ensure visibility of the celebrations. It does not look after the legacy, which falls under the responsibility of different public authorities. The Society is supported by the Ville de Montréal and the Gouvernement du Québec.

For more information, visit www.375mtl.com.

SOURCE Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary

Information and interviews: Kathia St-Jean, Director, Public and Government Relations, [email protected], T. 514-908-0375, ext.106, C. 514-502-3672