“ The light of love is always in us, no matter how cold the flame. It is always present, waiting for the spark to ignite, waiting for the heart to awaken. “
bell hooks, All About Love: New Visions, 2000, pp. 67-68.
25 years of love is what we are celebrating in MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels)’s 2024.25 season. In these times of political and ecological turmoil, the season’s thirteen projects remind us to return to love—an undeniable love for our communities and stories that keep our flame burning.
How do we celebrate the 25th anniversary of a unique space like MAI, considered by so many artists and audiences to be their second home? By continuing to offer our spaces to bold new dance forms, to words that recall the mourning of those who took the road of resistance, and to canvases that convince us that other luminous worlds are possible. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with three co-curators whose links with MAI are deep and meaningful. Angie Cheng, Lara Kramer and Alexandra “Spicey” Landé have not only developed their own artistic practices within MAI, but have also contributed to the evolution of other artists’ practices in our spaces. We look forward to sharing these artistic gems with you, and to celebrating the love that has kept MAI’s heart beating for a quarter of a century.
– Camille Larivée
Executive & Artistic Director