Advocacy for the English Theatre Community in Montreal’s 2025-2030 Cultural Development Policy

Update: February 4th, 2025

On February 4th, 2025, the Commission on Culture, Heritage and Sports from the City of Montreal publicly adopted certain recommendations from the consultation of the Montreal population, in the fall of 2024, on the draft Montreal Cultural Development Policy. QDF participated in this consultation to represent and advocate for the Montreal English theatre community. (See below for more details about the consultation.)

in the fall of 2024,

the Commission on Culture, Heritage and Sports from the City of Montreal consulted the Montreal population on the draft Montreal Cultural Development Policy 2025-2030.

This commission accepted written statements from private citizens, or organisations. Selected statements were to be read at a hearing in front of the commission at City Hall, including time for questions. 

The Quebec Drama Federation spearheaded the writing of this letter, a response to the draft cultural plan, with collaboration from several PACT Region 6 members, who signed off on the letter.

Our letter was selected to be read in front of the hearing.

 

Key points:

  • Further support to our municipal funder, the Conseil Des Arts De Montréal. 

  • Support towards the ongoing venue crisis. 

  • A commitment to respecting and supporting all of the linguistic and cultural diversity in Montreal. 

On November 11th, Rahul Gandhi, Luciana Burcheri from The Segal Center, and Alan Wrenshall from PWM attended the hearing, with Luciana taking the lead on presenting the letter. Watch the session here.

After months of consideration, on February 4th, 2025, the Commission will publicly adopt certain recommendations.

(Updates on the top of the webpage.)


“IF MONTREAL WANTS CULTURE, MONTREAL MUST FOSTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES FOR CULTURE TO EXIST. THAT BEGINS WITH SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT.”


LIST OF SIGNATORIES ON THE LETTER:

Rahul Gandhi, Quebec Drama Federation

Alanna Wrenshall, Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal

Fatma Sarah Elkashef, Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal

Alison Darcy, Scapegoat Carnivale

Amanda Kellock, Repercussion Theatre

Kathryn Westoll, Geordie Theatre

Lyne Paquette, Talisman Theatre

Zach Fraser, Infinithéâtre

Adele Benoit, Black Theatre Workshop

Dian Marie Bridge, Black Theatre Workshop

Shayne Lovsin-Couture, Independent Producer

Eda Holmes, Centaur Theatre Company

Amy Blackmore, Théâtre MainLine Theatre/FringeMTL

Rahul Varma, Teesri Duniya Theatre

Lisa Rubin, Segal Centre for Performing Arts