So much time spent in parks during the pandemic sparked an idea in designer Marie-Eve Bourassa’s head. Why not sow seeds called Bloom there? A place of culture, permanent or itinerant, able to accommodate the works of artists, in these times when the places of diffusion are lacking?
Posted at 8:00 a.m.
First materialization of his reflection: aluminum arches several feet high, wide and long which are transformed according to the desires and inspirations of the artists or the cities, institutions and companies that welcome them.
“The idea is to reproduce an outdoor art gallery, explains the founder of Bloom. To offer turnkey content. To associate myself with cultural organizations that have content to distribute it. » The product is durable for exhibitions, artistic, scientific reflections and other ephemeral works.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, THE PRESS
Marie-Eve Bourassa, founder of Bloom
I want to put art in the path of passers-by. It can be through display or just a touch of color in the landscape. I want to create an artistic gesture that becomes a cultural landmark for the citizen. I want to create beauty in a neighborhood, a small neighborhood museum.
Marie-Eve Bourassa, founder of Bloom
It took until January 2021 to have a worked product and to present a first 3D rendering to potential customers. “We had to create the most versatile product possible,” says Marie-Eve Bourassa. It is not urban furniture, not necessarily a product of public art. Rather a modular, adaptable, that can be installed in a pedestrian street, on the terrace of a company. »
The cutout of the arch is nevertheless customizable in relation to the place of installation. The customer can choose his pattern, his color. Renting three arches for three months costs $20,000.
Initially, the designer and entrepreneur imagined permanently fixed arches. His first project, however, was born thanks to the rental, and not the purchase, of three arches by the City of Deux-Montagnes. “I was stuck, because my product is durable and strong! she admits. Finally, it is not stupid to have a stock in rent to cover the running costs. »
Approximately $75,000 was invested to arrive at the modeling for this first exhibition. The Evol organization helped make the Bloom project flourish by granting a loan of $20,000 and a grant of $27,500.
Another exhibition in Montreal, in winter, followed. And there, the arches are seen in traveling exhibitions, in Gatineau in particular, then in Chicoutimi and Rouyn-Noranda. “Another project is coming up in the fall,” says Marie-Eve Bourassa. Permanent, with a teaching, on its ground. I can’t say more…”
PHOTO ANNIE-CLAUDE BEDARD PROVIDED BY BLOOM
Arches by Bloom at an exhibition in Montreal
Several other ideas were confirmed. A 2020 approach, however, can materialize many months later, the designer explains. “I am in discussion with several other cities,” she says. Many are in budget planning. Right now, I’m bidding for projects in 2023.”
Since this departure in 2021, Marie-Eve Bourassa has used strategy and patience. “Real estate entrepreneurs are my next target,” she says. There are also cities, like Laval, that are undergoing transformation. New neighborhoods are being developed. We must integrate art in these places! And when there is no content, it creates a gray area. The product therefore meets different needs. »