For 12 years now, État d'urgence has held a large-scale artistic "manifestival" in Place Émilie-Gamelin, organized by Action Terroriste Socialement Acceptable (ATSA). The event takes place just before a long winter sets in, and is a multi-disciplinary artistic and community-building celebration that invites Montreal's homeless in from the cold. It also offers round-the-clock services, including food (a banquet by Pied du Cochon chef Martin Picard, no less), clothing and shelter to Montreal's poor.
This year, the theme of the event is "Tout Inclus!" (which translates to "all-inclusive" or "includes all"). From Nov. 25-28, Montreal's dark and uninviting Berri Square will be cheekily transformed into an all-inclusive beach get-away (see map), featuring "vacation activities" like mini putt and shuffleboard, as well as round-the-clock performances by local and international artists as well as endless cultural offerings (theater, circus, storytelling, lectures, poetry, slam) for free.
However, this year's organizers have been holid-azed, having to swallow a bitter-sweet cocktail (with a twist of irony) just prior to their anticipated event. On Nov. 16, only weeks prior to the event, Patrimoine Canada announced it won't fund the festival, leaving ATSA 43 000$ under budget from last year. The budget shortfall ensures ATSA will struggle with their financing. With no way to plan or predict for the bad news, it was unexpected. It's also likely to kill État D'Urgence for good.
Why has it become impossible for our current government to get these funding decisions out in a timely and respectful fashion? Or to respect the basic economic well-being and social health of long-standing festivals and community events?
Every year, État D'Urgence enlists the help of almost 300 artists, 400 volunteers, 20 community organizations and an eager general public. More than ever before, the event - and the people for whom it is intended, Montreal's homeless - will need your help. To see the very full list of activities, or to donate, visit www.atsa.qc.ca.
-source: community.hour.ca-
This year, the theme of the event is "Tout Inclus!" (which translates to "all-inclusive" or "includes all"). From Nov. 25-28, Montreal's dark and uninviting Berri Square will be cheekily transformed into an all-inclusive beach get-away (see map), featuring "vacation activities" like mini putt and shuffleboard, as well as round-the-clock performances by local and international artists as well as endless cultural offerings (theater, circus, storytelling, lectures, poetry, slam) for free.
However, this year's organizers have been holid-azed, having to swallow a bitter-sweet cocktail (with a twist of irony) just prior to their anticipated event. On Nov. 16, only weeks prior to the event, Patrimoine Canada announced it won't fund the festival, leaving ATSA 43 000$ under budget from last year. The budget shortfall ensures ATSA will struggle with their financing. With no way to plan or predict for the bad news, it was unexpected. It's also likely to kill État D'Urgence for good.
Why has it become impossible for our current government to get these funding decisions out in a timely and respectful fashion? Or to respect the basic economic well-being and social health of long-standing festivals and community events?
Every year, État D'Urgence enlists the help of almost 300 artists, 400 volunteers, 20 community organizations and an eager general public. More than ever before, the event - and the people for whom it is intended, Montreal's homeless - will need your help. To see the very full list of activities, or to donate, visit www.atsa.qc.ca.
-source: community.hour.ca-
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