The non-profit organization Art Neuf, which occupies the premises of the Calixa-Lavallée cultural center, in the heart of La Fontaine park, abruptly suspended its activities last week. According to information collected by The dutyArt neuf, which offers art classes and workshops, is facing financial difficulties.
Founded in 1985, Art Neuf offers training in visual arts, singing, literature, dance and theatre. The organization has been based at the Calixa-Lavallée cultural center for decades under a partnership agreement with the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. It also has exhibition spaces, including an art gallery and the Paul-Buissonneau performance hall.
On June 12, the organization suspended its activities. In fact, the organization ended its season a week and a half earlier than expected.
Alina Apostolska didn’t know. Last Wednesday, she was to lead a writing workshop as she has been doing since 2011. But she came up against closed doors, as did the participants in the workshop who had not been notified of the cancellation of the activities. of the Center. “Art Neuf was a hive of creativity and suddenly, this hive was destroyed”, laments Mme Apostolska.
It was finally on Saturday that the Art Neuf administration committee published a message on the organization’s Facebook page to apologize for having ended the season without explanation. “For reasons beyond our control, there are no more employees to operate Art Neuf at the end of the season, explaining the sudden closure of the Calixa-Lavallée center,” it says. “We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this situation and will provide you with more information shortly. »
On Sunday, Art neuf posted another message on social networks saying that the situation was “worrying” and that the sustainability of the organization was threatened. An extraordinary meeting will take place “soon” to present the facts and allow members to decide on the solutions envisaged for the future of the cultural center, it was added.
On social media, some members expressed their frustration with the way the events unfolded while others were saddened and worried that this cultural venue offering cultural classes and recreation could disappear.
Over the past 14 years, Jean Barré Dufresne has acted in several plays presented at the Calixa-Lavallée center as an amateur. “There is a whole network of people who like it [le théâtre amateur] and put a lot of hours into it. It’s the best team spirit I’ve ever seen. There is no competition. People are helping each other,” he said, lamenting the sudden closure of the center. He said he hoped the City would be able to intervene effectively in this file.
Citizen group
In the wake of this closure, a group of citizens concerned about the future of the cultural center created a Facebook page to recruit members ready to get involved in trying to save this cultural place and its vocation.
Joined by The dutyone of the members of the board of directors, Caroline Forcier, did not want to comment on the situation which she described as “non-standard and sensitive”.
In the Plateau borough, it is confirmed that the organization is struggling with financial difficulties. A meeting is also scheduled for Monday, at the end of the day, between the team of the borough’s culture department and local elected officials in order to take stock of this file, indicated to the Duty Julien Deschênes, press attaché to the elected officials of the Plateau.
Located in Parc La Fontaine, the Calixa-Lavallée pavilion in Parc La Fontaine was built in 1931-1932 according to plans drawn up by architect J.-Albert Bernier.