Neither an institution nor an artist-run center. That’s how MAI is often called. MAI stands for Montreal arts interculturels. It is known as that strange beast for its multifaceted modus operandi. It has a mandate specificity. MAI is an inclusionary presenter. It is a pluricultural presenter. Also it operates an artist-driven mentorship program. It is the conveyor of an annual community exchange. The community exchange is a public development program entitled Public +.
MAI advocates for the development of intercultural arts. It supports the creation, presentation, and promotion of these arts. Intercultural arts are hybrids. They are created through a blending of forms, genres, styles, disciplines, and languages. This is all for diversified audiences. MAI offers programs that catalyze conversations. These conversations are about intercultural arts. They also discuss intergenerational and interdisciplinary arts. MAI promotes community and intercultural exchange. This exchange happens along lines of gender and race. It includes class, ability, and sexual orientation. Religion, age, language, and other sectarian axes of identity are part of it too. These identities can be marked or unmarked.
In other words, MAI is a space where dualities are bridged. MAI’s ultimate goal is inclusiveness. Its programming and public development activities champion inclusiveness. They offer a differing version of what ‘us’ looks like. It provides a home to artists. For them showing their culture while in conversation with another’s is an imperative.
MAI is a presenter. MAI is an accomplice. MAI is a center for exchange.
MAI remains distinct. Its mandate is innovative. It has garnered a solid reputation. It is known as a presenter and mentor. Also MAI is a center for dialogue and exchange. This pertains to cultural and racial diversity. Hybrid and convergent forms are included. MAI is a leader in inciting an ever-evolving dialogue. This dialogue is not just on intercultural art practice. It is also on the very essence of art. It considers the conditions that ensure its continued growth and self-renewal.
Founded in 1999, MAI is a non-profit organization. It supports the development and creation of intercultural arts. It promotes these arts to diverse audiences. Its programming highlights hybrid and innovative practices. These practices include dance and theater. Visual arts, spoken word, performance, and music are featured. Interdisciplinary arts are included as well. MAI builds connections between artists and local communities. It does this through its Public + program.
In 1990, the Regroupement pour le développement des pratiques artistiques interculturelles was created. In 1989, the group chose to create a new cultural space in Montreal. MAI was established in Milton Park on Jeanne-Mance Street in 1999. At that time, it had a café and a gallery. There were also two rehearsal rooms.
In 2005, MAI launched its artist accompaniment program. This program was renamed “Complices” in 2018. Initially, it was for Indigenous artists and artists from culturally diverse backgrounds. Gradually, it expanded. It now includes artists with disabilities. Artists from linguistic minorities are included. LGBTQAAI communities are supported too.
MAI’s main mission is to encourage dialogue. It presents intercultural artistic approaches. These approaches address issues of identity and gender. Sexual orientation and religion are considered too. The organization has two main missions. The first is to support artists. It helps them in their development and promotion. The goal is to stimulate hybrid productions. It fosters transversal, multidisciplinary, and intercultural approaches. The second mission is to address a varied audience. It proposes programming and inclusive workshops. These are for both connoisseurs and newcomers.
Each year, MAI proposes an official program. It features about twenty artists. The program includes exhibitions. On average there are four per year. It offers dance and music performances. Other performances take place in the MAI theater. Shows are presented outside in partnership with other cultural spaces in Montreal.