Introduction of the action plan
The importance of acting…
Rarely before has Montréal shown such promising potential as a major cultural metropolis. Montréal can count on an amazing outpouring of talent and expertise, as well as impressive, internationally recognized achievements in training, creation, production, presentation and conservation in almost every artistic discipline and the entire cultural field. Its cultural dynamism is reflected among its residents, attracting enthusiastic and loyal audiences. There is a new consensus supporting the key role of arts and culture in the city’s development, and this is prompting Montréal’s leaders in all fields to act. Montréal has an international cultural standing out of proportion with its relatively small size.
Rarely as well has competition been so strong across Canada, North America and the world, now that cities are home to the majority of humanity. Cities of all sizes have been inspired by recent observations on the power of creativity, filled with eagerness arising from the need to improve their cultural offerings and positioning. They are now seeking to take their place in the economy of knowledge, creativity and culture, and are planning many bold strategies and massive investments to achieve this goal.
Montréal must take appropriate steps to affirm its status as a 21st-century cultural metropolis – for the reasons given above, of course, but also to avoid contributing to the cultural, economic and social decline that would result from difficulties in properly grasping the issues related to its weak demographics.
The process leading to the Montréal, cultural metropolis – Rendez-vous Novembre 2007 sought to create the necessary momentum for identifying and launching projects and measures, both public- and private-sector, that could speed the adoption and later realization of the vision of Montréal as a cultural metropolis. The process also sought to establish a culture of cooperation between public- and private-sector partners, resulting in improved cultural governance.
… together…
This awareness of the importance of acting is shared by the partners. The culture community, of course, is central to the new paradigm. The Montréal business and government communities are aware that Montréal’s future depends on a strong connection between knowledge acquisition, innovation and culture. Quebec needs international recognition for a strong and attractive metropolis, having a symbiotic relationship with the regions and encouraging regional growth. Canada wants to be a major partner for Montréal in a strategy that seeks to accelerate the development of the country’s major cities as economic powerhouses and as home to a constantly growing number of citizens.
It is in a spirit of sharing knowledge, aims and resources, and of commitment to the quality of proposals that will be put forward, that the five major partners launched the process of analysis and decision making leading to the Montréal, cultural metropolis – Rendez-vous Novembre 2007.
… on a 10-year timeline
It is important to act.
It is important to act together.
But it is also essential to set for ourselves a timeline that will allow us, while moving into implementation mode now, to properly organize and adjust the actions to be taken and also to initiate, carry out and accomplish major projects. This timeline, on which all partners are agreed, is 10 years.
Ten years from now is 2017, when we will mark completion of the timeline set out in the Board of Trade’s symposium (Montréal 2002–17), the 25th anniversary of Quebec’s Cultural Policy, the 50th anniversary of Expo 67, the 150th anniversary of Canadian confederation and the 375th anniversary of the founding of Montréal.
The year 2017 will also mark the 10th anniversary of the Montréal, cultural metropolis – 2007–17 Action Plan.
