15 Montreal festivals have come together to request additional financial support from the local government.
Titled "ATTENTION - FESTIVALS AT RISK," the open letter was published in local newspaper La Presse and addressed to federal minister Pablo Rodriguez, provincial ministers Pierre Fitzgibbon and Mathieu Lacombe, as well as the mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante.
It described how festivals have been "severely tested" by the pandemic, and urged the government to "implement measures to improve working conditions and help us to structure our activities for the coming years."
"All three levels of government must help festivals affirm a lasting and updated vision of the future," the letter continued. It also described the "dynamism" of the city's festivals as contributing to Montreal's status as a "unique francophone cultural metropolis of the Americas," adding that they are "a source of collective pride" and "the heart of a vibrant cultural activity."
The author of the letter is Philippe U. del Drago, executive and artist director of the International Festival of Films on Art. Some of the other signatories include MUTEK, POP Montreal, Montreal First Peoples' Festival, International Festival Nuits d'Afrique and Festival Quartiers Danses.
Here's the statement in full."Montreal is renowned for its festivals. They are a major component of its cultural life as well as tourist attractions. The city is home to some 40 events devoted to particular art forms: theatre, dance, music, photography, digital arts, visual arts, Indigenous arts and more. Our festivals open our city to the world and highlight artists' creativity. Attended mainly by our fellow residents–audiences that are curious, demanding and passionate–they offer unique access to arts from here and abroad.
The vitality of our festivals helps to make Montreal a unique francophone cultural metropolis in the Americas. At any time of year, in every neighbourhood, festivals are eagerly awaited. They are a source of community pride and the foundation for a vibrant cultural life.
Festivals are agents of social cohesion. We bring together artists from all over the country and welcome works from diverse cultures, creating a strong connection with the public. This harmonious relationship is vital to the wellbeing of a society and it brings a city to life.
Our sector, like many others, was severely tested by the pandemic. The health measures in place forced us to reinvent formats and programmes. We demonstrated great agility in preserving our achievements and producing our events. This feat was made possible thanks to governments making significant investments, for which we are truly grateful.
And yet, the aftermath of this crisis has been severe, revealing the fragility of our structures and the exhaustion of our teams. We are concerned about the road ahead, whether it be inflation reflected in production costs, the essential increase of artists' fees, or challenges regarding human resources. We have been negatively impacted by the depreciation of employment conditions in the cultural sector, which has been ongoing for many years. Current funding levels no longer allow us to maintain the jobs needed to carry out our activities properly. This situation has serious consequences for the future.
Today, we are sounding the alarm. With the special assistance provided during the pandemic having ended, our ability to provide meaningful programming and to contribute to the job market and the economy is at risk.
It is necessary for governments to implement measures to improve working conditions and help us to structure our activities for the coming years. All three levels of government must help festivals affirm a lasting and updated vision of the future. Finally, a monitoring mechanism must be organised among the public bodies concerned in order to develop coherent responses to the difficulties we are expressing. The world has changed, and our social, environmental and economic responsibilities are growing. We are ready to rise to these challenges, but we hope for clear commitments from the other side.
As the bearers of a living heritage whose vitality we ensure, with economic benefits to many sectors, we are ready to invest all our courage, to mobilise our teams and to bring together all the stakeholders with whom we are involved. But we cannot meet this challenge without you.
Over the coming months, we will joyfully welcome Montrealers, tourists and travellers to our events. We are excited to once again host so many people and, with them, to make the heart of Montreal's cultural and artistic life beat faster. This solidarity is worth both our commitment and yours."