The Pantoum is a non-profit cultural organization that has existed for almost 12 years and which fulfills several roles. Performance hall, recording studio, rehearsal premises, this place is both a professional space for artists at the start of their careers and a place of creation used by many already established musicians (Hubert Lenoir, Lou- Adriane Cassidy, Les Louanges, Ariane Roy, etc.). This establishment quickly established itself as a meeting place, bringing together several communities and various levels of experience, thus becoming an essential hub in the artistic community of Quebec, but also of Quebec.
It is a unique creative complex, the reputation of which extends everywhere. Countless people who have visited the Pantoum remain impressed by it and share with us their enthusiasm at discovering such a unique and inspiring model.
In recent months, Le Pantoum has carried out major renovations necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the building and to improve their spaces and services, therefore requiring considerable financial resources. The NPO had access to municipal and federal funding, but a substantial amount is nevertheless essential to complete the work. However, the contribution of the Ministry of Culture to the Quebec government could change the situation.
We implore the Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, to be sensitive to this cause and to see the Pantoum as the entire cultural community sees it today. It is a fundamental pillar for Quebec music and a place without which the artistic excitement of Quebec City could not have existed. Quebec has indeed established itself in recent years as a center for new local music. The Pantoum also remains one of the rare spaces democratizing access to professional resources that are often inaccessible at the start of a career.
As artists evolving in the Quebec music industry, we have seen the titanic work deployed by the founders of this establishment. From a small, self-sufficient organization held at arm’s length by people determined to make things happen, the Pantoum has transformed into a recognized and respected structure, bringing real change in an increasingly precarious environment. .
A possible closure of this establishment could have major consequences for Quebec artists, but also for an entire cultural network which relies on institutions like Le Pantoum so that culture can flourish throughout Quebec and not just in Montreal.
Knowing that a gesture on your part would create an immense difference not only for Le Pantoum, but also for the future of culture in Quebec, we ask you to provide Le Pantoum with all the funds necessary to complete the current renovations. You could thus embody this hope for a rich, flourishing, lively music scene, reflecting what it has to give and what it will give to future generations.
*Also signed this letter: Émile Bilodeau; Mélanie Boulay; Stéphanie Boulay; Philippe Brach; Pirate’s heart ; Dumas; Serge Fiori; Lydia Képinski; Praise ; Hubert Lenoir; Alexandre Martel; Ariane Moffatt; Klo Pelgag; Pascale Picard; Michel Rivard; Gabrielle Shonk; Souldia; Shoot the Coyote; Valence and Vincent Vallières.