Montréal's 375th anniversary: The Society invites creators to propose exclusive projects

2 calls for projects – 375 days of festivities – economic and tourism spin-offs

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 27, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The countdown to Montréal's 375th anniversary has begun, announced the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary at its press conference today, in which were present Mayor of Montréal, Denis Coderre, Québec Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, Robert Poëti, and the Honourable Jean-Guy Dagenais. Having completed the planning phase, the Society is now launching into the organization of the festivities and is inviting Montrealers to "build bridges" in two calls for projects. The first of the two—opened today—is calling on creators to propose exclusive projects that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.  

"Throughout our consultations, Montrealers expressed their desire to maximize the benefits of the 375th well beyond 2017. This precise goal is guiding all of our efforts. The programming selections will be made based on the return on investment they'll generate, whether it be through bolstering a sense of pride, raising the city's profile, or creating socio-economic or tourism spin-offs. Far more than just a celebration, the 375th must provide Montrealers a springboard for the future," declared France Chrétien Desmarais, President of the Society's Board of Directors.

Building bridges

To put together the 375 days of programming, the Society defined a common thread that would shape the signature events it is responsible for coordinating, as well as associated projects emerging from the community.

"Montréal is an incredible laboratory of creation. For the 375th, we want to draw upon two characteristic traits of Montrealers: their creativity and their collaborative spirit. And so, I am inviting them to Build bridges! We are looking for projects that will inspire exchanges between cultures, communities, generations, and territories, both local and international. As well, initiatives that foster rare ties between sectors as vastly different from each other as the arts, research, industry, sport, technology, and the media. Building bridges is a call to unite our forces to put in motion exclusive, long-lasting initiatives that will breathe new life into our metropolis," explained Gilbert Rozon, Commissioner for Celebrations of Montréal's 375th.

The community is invited to contribute to the 375th through two calls for projects.
As of this evening, the Society is hoping to receive proposals for large-scale projects via its website: http://375mtl.com/en/call-for-projects/www.375mtl.com/en/call-for-projects/http://375mtl.com/en/call-for-projects/. Project submissions must meet several criteria: they must be exclusive, take place between December 21, 2016, and December 31, 2017, and promise socioeconomic or tourism spin-offs, all while leaving a lasting legacy beyond 2017. In 2015, the Society will issue a second call for projects with a more local scope, geared toward celebrating the 375th in Montréal's communities.

A solid, open, engaged team

The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the 2017 festivities. It is not in charge of the legacy projects, which are the responsibility of the various public authorities. Flexible and agile, the small team led by Philippe Duval serves as a catalyst in mobilizing its various private and public partners. It is working in concert with existing businesses and structures to administer its funding in a rigorous manner, devise quality programming, and effectively promote the festivities.

The Society also relies on the contribution of numerous volunteers. "Presently, there is an unbelievable will among the city's population to get involved for Montréal. We are fortunate to be able to count on over 80 volunteers stemming from diverse backgrounds who are involved as board or committee members. Like me, they are all passionate about contributing to our city's future, and the 375th is an opportunity for them to play an active role," said Ms. Chrétien Desmarais who seized the occasion to thank them.

To see the list of Society volunteers, visit the website.
Board of Directors: www.375mtl.com/en/board-of-directors/
Committees: www.375mtl.com/en/committees/

For more about the Society and the call for projects, visit www.375mtl.com/en.

Image with caption: "The Honorable Jean-Guy Dagenais; Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal; France Chrétien Desmarais, President of the Board of Directors; Robert Poëti, Québec Minister of Transport, and Minister responsible for the Montréal region; Gilbert Rozon, Commissioner for Celebrations. (CNW Group/The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141027_C2041_PHOTO_EN_7130.jpg

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

Anne Dongois, Media Relations, [email protected], 514 826-2050; Nadia Rousseau, 375th Communications, [email protected], 514-895-0528; Kathia St-Jean, 375th Director, Public and Government Relations?, [email protected], 514 908-0375, ext.106?/ 514 502-3672?