Montréal, arts interculturels (MAI)

Neither an institution nor an artist-run centre, MAI is often referred to as that strange beast for its multifaceted modus operandi and mandate specificity: an inclusionary, pluricultural, pluridisciplinary presenter also operating an artist-driven mentorship program, and the conveyor of an annual community exchange/public development program entitled Public +. Advocating for, and in support of the development, creation, presentation and promotion of intercultural arts (hybrids created through a blending of forms, genres, styles, disciplines and languages) for diversified audiences; offering programs that catalyze conversations about intercultural, intergenerational, interdisciplinary arts, and accompanying themes; promoting community and intercultural exchange along lines of gender, race, class, ability, sexual orientation, religion, age, language or other such sectarian axes of identity, marked and unmarked. In other words, the MAI is a space where dualities and pluralities are bridged. The ultimate goal is that MAI’s programming and public development/community exchange activities champion inclusiveness, offering a differing version of what ‘us’ looks like; of being home to artists for whom showing their culture while in conversation with another’s is an imperative. MAI remains distinct, its mandate innovative, having garnered a solid reputation as a presenter, mentor and as a centre for dialogue and exchange as pertaining to cultural and racial diversity, and to hybrid, convergent forms, a leader in inciting an ever-evolving dialogue not just on intercultural art practice but also on the very essence of art and on the conditions that ensure its continued growth and self-renewal.