An updated experience for artists, artisans and audiences
MONTREAL, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - L'Équipe Spectra, which has been seeking a partner to invest in modernizing Métropolis, its legendary showroom on Ste. Catherine Street East, is delighted to announce that a partnership agreement has been finalized to that end with TELUS, a major player in our economy and a leader in the country's telecommunications sector. Beginning in late 2016, the two companies, sharing a passion for the performing arts and new technologies, will pool their expertise to modernize the venue in order to offer Montrealers an updated world class performing arts experience.
An investment in the future
"When two leaders in their respective domains work together on a project this exhilarating, we can expect great things. With our company, counting almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry; TELUS, a leading company in the domain of new technologies; and Métropolis, the #1 venue in Canada, we have everything it takes to offer Montrealers the perfect gift!" stated Jacques-André Dupont, CEO of L'Équipe Spectra.
François Gratton, Executive Vice-President, TELUS and Partner Solutions and President, Business Solutions East and TELUS Québec, adds: "Montreal is renowned for its vibrant music scene and as an outstanding springboard for emerging artists. Through this partnership, TELUS wishes to mark the city's 375th anniversary by bestowing it with a lasting cultural legacy, through an investment intended to revitalize this legendary venue and burnish Montreal's reputation on the international scene. Together, we will ensure the cachet and integrity of the venue is preserved so that spectators, artists and performers alike can rediscover the iconic space they have always loved."
Get ready for M TELUS
As a tribute to Métropolis and heralding the new partnership with TELUS, the legendary hall that has thrilled Montreal for 30 years will become M TELUS in May, 2017. And it should be emphasized that L'Équipe Spectra and TELUS are especially concerned with preserving the historic character of the venue; no surprise, then, to find traces of a living legacy amidst the modernized venue.
This is not the first collaboration between these two companies. TELUS has proudly supported emerging Quebec artists for the past 15 years, providing a platform and exposure of their work by including them in the company's advertising campaigns. In fact, in 2012, it was at the Métropolis that TELUS launched its compilation album of songs featured in its campaigns.
Ranking 1st in Canada and 13th on the long list of the 200 greatest concert clubs in the world in industry magazine Pollstar, Métropolis is, first and foremost, The favourite show venue of Montrealers and the many visitors and tourists who flock to it to cheer on the biggest and greatest artists on the planet, a flagship of the Quartier des spectacles and our downtown culture. And so it will remain.
Construction
Under this agreement, TELUS commits to invest more than 5 million dollars over the next 10 years. Architectural and construction work will stretch over three years, notably including a complete modernization of the lighting and sound systems, with additional staging elements as well. Work will feature a bright, user-friendly redevelopment of the Ste. Catherine Street façade, as well as refurbishment of the lobby and loges (boxes). TELUS will bring its technological skill and know-how to bear in order to maximize the spectator experience, offering fans a completely modernized, rejuvenated experience, as well as promotional support for producers and artists.
In addition to preserving the integrity and unique character of the performance hall, the shared goal is to improve the quality and high standards of the shows and concerts presented for the audience, artists, employees and producers, and offer a showroom worthy of the international reputation of the Montreal cultural scene.
There is no closure expected, and the venue will continue to present shows while construction is in progress.
SOURCE Équipe Spectra Inc.
Image with caption: "Logo: M TELUS (CNW Group/Équipe Spectra Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161201_C7239_PHOTO_EN_829994.jpg
Media Information: Greg Kitzler, Director, Press Relations and Social Media -- 514 525-5990, ext. 5666; [email protected]; Éliane Lévesque, Publicist -- 514 525-5990, ext. 5260; [email protected]; Isabelle Lavigne, Publicist -- 514 525-7732, ext. 5647; [email protected]; TELUS: Luiza Staniec, Media Relations and Social Media -- 514 665-3413; [email protected]
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