Drawing on their research in the Museum’s archives, Séamus Gallagher will discuss the creative process behind their installation Mother Memory Cellophane. They will discuss how this latest creation fits into their larger body of work. The talk will be moderated by Morris Fox, whose artistic practice overlaps with Gallagher’s on several levels: queer aesthetics, identity, gender performativity and hauntology, to name but a few.
Activity in English. The discussion will be held on Zoom and livestreamed on the Museum’s Facebook page.
From September 7 to October 22, people curious about contemporary art came together for the 18th edition of the Biennale and visited the 16 exhibition venues throughout the city. For 46 days, our 60 activities, including exhibitions, workshops, performances, symposiums, talks and panel discussions, and even a marathon, drew audiences that were interested in and won over by a program that stirred up unequalled excitement!
By the end of the Biennale, MOMENTA registered a record attendance rate, with more than 50% increase in visits to artist-run centres and university galleries compared to the previous edition.
2023 in numbers
Exhibitions – 23 artists from abroad and from Canada, representing 15 countries, 4 provinces, and 4 Indigenous nations – Almost 30,000 unique visits to artist-run centres and university galleries – 114 artworks presented in 16 exhibition venues across the city, including: ~ 51 new works presented in public for the first time ~ 24 commissioned works produced in collaboration with MOMENTA and the exhibition partners ~ 3 artists participating in the RBC Foundation’s program for emerging artists ~ 2 performances, including one co-production with the Bonavista Biennale
Public and educational activities – 60 activities, including exhibitions, workshops, performances, symposiums, talks and panel discussions, and a marathon – 1 inaugural evening at Fonderie Darling with a record attendance of 1,300 visitors – 21 directors of North American biennials and triennials attending the second Ennials Alliance symposium – 340 participants in our eight educational and creative workshops – 2,300 participants in our guided tours
Online presence – 480,000 online visits – 7 podcast episodes – More than 30,000 downloads of our route maps – 19% increase in our number of subscribers
Partnerships – 89 financial, promotional, and production partners associated with the Biennale – 70%of our digitaladvertising budget invested in Canadian media
Publications – 46 plain-language exhibition booklets, including 2 in Indigenous languages – 1 book each in French and in English, co-published with Kerber Verlag
And more!
Thank you all
With deep gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our public for its trust and commitment to MOMENTA. Your presence and continued support have made this event a memorable success!
We would also like to thank our invaluable partners, as well as our external collaborators and volunteers, for their invaluable contribution to the success of this 18th edition of MOMENTA. Your dedication and support were key elements in realizing this edition.
As a member of the Ennials Alliance, MOMENTA Biennale de l’image was pleased to welcome a delegation of directors from 14 Biennials and Triennials in North America at the Canadian Centre for Architecture on October 11, 12 and 13, as part of MOMENTA’s 18th edition.
The Ennials Alliance is a network of contemporary art organizations focused on periodic art events, such as biennials and triennials. Originating in North America, their goal is to foster the exchange of resources, better practices and ideas among member organizations. During their visit, the Ennials had the opportunity to discover MOMENTA’s exhibitions, take part in discussions on contemporary issues in visual arts and share their own perspectives and practices.
For the first time, most of our exhibitions feature plain-language text to facilitate visitors’ understanding of the exhibitions and ensure inclusivity and discoveries for everyone. This new initiative is an important mediation tool that enhances MOMENTA’s engagement with its publics.
According to the Government of Canada, the fundamental objective of using a plain language approach in written communications is to convey essential information to the audience in an accessible manner, without requiring a “condescending style” or “oversimplified” vocabulary.
You can find the leaflets in the exhibition spaces, but also on this website.
This year, for the very first time, MOMENTA produced a seven-episode podcast series designed and hosted by artist Jamie Ross, whose guests are artists Mara Eagle, Lindsay Katsitsakaste Delaronde, Rémi Belliveau, Valérie Blass, Michèle Pearson Clarke, Séamus Gallagher and Tuan Andrey Nguyen.
Produced by Virage sonore, each episode of the series takes the form of a twenty-minute one-on-one interview with an artist from our program. Our episodes are available here.
This project is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.
As part of its ongoing commitment to local media, MOMENTA is proud to partner with La Presse, our Preferred Media Partner! This new initiative is part of our desire for continuity and solidarity with the “Mouvement média d’ici”.
MOMENTA is delighted with this new partnership and would like to thank La Presse for its commitment to our institution.
MOMENTA is pleased to invite you to the opening celebration of the biennial’s 18th edition! Come celebrate with us on September 7 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Place du Sable-Gris in front of Fonderie Darling.
Starting at 5 p.m., don’t miss the performance We’re magic. We’re real #3 (These Walls) by Jeannette Ehlers, accompanied by Eve Tagny and Sophia Gaspard.
Then enjoy the rest of the evening to discover Jeannette Ehlers and Valérie Blass’s exhibitions at Fonderie Darling, while grooving to the music of DJ Patron.
On the menu: Creole and Caribbean food by Plaisance Café & Traiteur S.E.N.C.