USINE C

In 1913, the Alphonse Raymond Limitée Society built a factory. This factory, now known as Usine C, initially produced fruit preserves. The sweet scent of boiling fruit once filled the air, a far cry from the artistic energy it exudes today. Usine C transitioned from a jam factory to a hub of creativity. In the 1970s, the factory closed its doors. Years later, in 1995, it was reborn as Usine C, a performance venue in Montreal’s Centre-Sud district. The building stands as a testament to industrial architecture repurposed for artistic expression. Gilles Maheu and Danièle de Fontenay, co-founders of Carbone 14, envisioned a space for interdisciplinary creation. They sought to preserve a piece of Montreal’s industrial heritage. Along with architects Saucier + Perrotte and scenographers from Scéno Plus, they transformed the factory. Today, Usine C boasts two performance halls. One seats 440, the other a more intimate 120. It also houses a rehearsal studio, an exhibition hall, and a café, a gathering place for artists and audience members alike. Usine C offers a diverse program of contemporary dance, theatre, music, and media arts. This multidisciplinary approach reflects the founders’ initial vision. The venue hosts Quebec, Canadian, and international artists. It provides space for artistic residencies, fostering creativity and collaboration. Usine C also organizes conferences with industry professionals. Post-show discussions with dancers bridge the gap between performers and the public. Workshops and masterclasses, often in partnership with Montreal choreographic centers like Circuit-Est and Studio 303, further enrich the artistic landscape. Usine C welcomes approximately 35,000 spectators annually. These visitors experience cutting-edge artistic currents within the walls of a revitalized industrial landmark. In 2021, Usine C underwent further renovations. Saucier + Perrotte, the original architects, returned to update the building. These renovations brought the facilities up to code, expanded the creation studio, and modernized the existing infrastructure. South of Usine C, you’ll find a park. A commemorative plaque there acknowledges the historical significance of the Alphonse Raymond Limitée Society and its original factory. The plaque serves as a reminder of the site’s industrial past. This past now intertwines with its present as a vibrant center for the arts.