In these times when the viability of major Montreal urban festivals is attracting so much attention, I feel the obligation to bring an informed perspective to this debate. With close experience with some of these events as former co-owner of L’Équipe Spectra, alongside Alain Simard, André Ménard and Denyse McCann, and former president of the Montreal International Jazz Festival , Francos de Montréal and Montréal en Lumière, I am convinced of their inestimable value for our metropolis and beyond.
First of all, it is essential to highlight the many benefits that these festivals provide to our community, in particular thanks to their programming presented free of charge. By locating these events in the heart of the city, we create a unique experience, accessible to all. It is not just about entertainment, but a celebration of world-class culture and art, offered generously to everyone, regardless of financial means.
Then, these festivals act as beacons, illuminating our city on the world stage. By reaching millions of people through traditional and social media and impressing visitors with its cultural dynamism, Montreal is recognized as a destination of choice. Many foreign students, conference attendees and tourists are attracted to our city thanks to these unforgettable summer events, and that’s without counting Montrealers and our neighbors in the outer suburbs, who sometimes unfortunately only make one annual visit to the downtown to attend one of our festivals.
In addition, these events play a major role in the transformation of the urban fabric of Montreal. By acting as real drivers of change, they have transformed neglected urban areas into dynamic and lively neighborhoods, like the Quartier des spectacles. Once a concrete desert, this place has today become a vibrant cultural and commercial hub, even an essential place to live.
Economically, these events not only stimulate tourism, but also the growth of our cultural industries, and provide unprecedented opportunities for emerging artists and our performing arts artisans. In addition, they generate a unique social synergy by bringing together people from all backgrounds and origins during unforgettable moments of communion. Certainly, the recent challenges faced by Just for Laughs raise legitimate questions about the viability of our model. Already, in 2019, with several colleagues from our metropolis, we were sounding the alarm. And after the pandemic and in the face of ever-increasing stakes, more than ever, I plead for constructive reflection rather than questioning fundamental elements, such as the free aspects of these events and the financial support of public authorities.
Let us instead work to ensure their sustainability. These festivals are not just entertainment; they are essential institutions that shape the soul and influence of Montreal.