Published
Thu, Jan 25, 2024, 23:30
- A conference with global nightlife experts that was slated for May is now cancelled.
Montreal's government has cut off annual funding for nightlife advocacy group MTL 24/24.
The non-profit organisation, which seeks to promote the economic, social and cultural value of local nightlife, announced the news last week. As a result, MTL 24/24 said it was forced to lay off employees, terminate contracts with freelancers and cancel this year's Montreal Night Summit, a conference featuring lectures by global nightlife experts that was scheduled for May.
"This is a lack of consideration for all the work we have accomplished over the past three years," Mathieu Grondin, director general of MTL 24/24, told Resident Advisor. "The cancellation of the 2024 Night Summit will damage the international credibility of the city of Montreal."
A small rally took place at Montreal City Hall on January 22nd in protest of the government's decision. Earlier this month, city officials had announced their support for MTL 24/24's plans to create a 24-hour nightlife zone.
Catherine Cadotte, senior press secretary of the mayor and executive committee of the City of Montreal, told RA that despite the budget cuts, the city remains committed to supporting nightlife.
"Nightlife is at the heart of Montreal's identity and is an indisputable economic engine that we support and will continue to support," she said in a statement, which has been translated from French. "The 24-hour events that have been tested by the City of Montreal for two years are a success and will continue. A 24-hour event will be held in February."
On January 24th, the city requested MTL 24/24 to refile its funding application. "They want to save the summit," Grondin added. "It's not confirmed yet, but there's still hope it might take place."
Last year, several local festivals penned an open letter to the government to request additional financial support.
For more information on MTL 24/24, visit its website.
Update January 25th, 2024: This article was edited to reflect an update from the city and MTL 24/24.
Photo: The Quebec Nightlife Association