Advocacy for the English Theatre Community in Montreal’s 2025-2030 Cultural Development Policy
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.
“IF MONTREAL WANTS CULTURE, MONTREAL MUST FOSTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES FOR CULTURE TO EXIST. THAT BEGINS WITH SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT.”
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.
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