The Future of 219 Provencher and 212 Dumoulin

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• Share [originally posted in French] - A national cultural jewel on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - A national cultural jewel on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - A national cultural jewel on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - A national cultural jewel link

  [originally posted in French] - A national cultural jewel

  about 2 years ago

  La Maison des artistes, a self-managed francophone artist-run centre in Saint-Boniface, is an important venue not only for Manitoba’s French-speaking artists, but also a place of recognition for professional and emerging artists from the Canadian francophonie. I myself had the chance to exhibit in this space as an emerging artist. I’ve seen some of Canada’s most renowned artists, and discovered Franco-Manitoban artists such as Dominique Rey and Anna Binta Diallo, to name but two. The Maison’s centre and gallery is also a pillar for the professionalization of Western Canada’s contemporary art scene. It participates in national initiatives to represent and... Continue reading

  La Maison des artistes, a self-managed francophone artist-run centre in Saint-Boniface, is an important venue not only for Manitoba’s French-speaking artists, but also a place of recognition for professional and emerging artists from the Canadian francophonie. I myself had the chance to exhibit in this space as an emerging artist. I’ve seen some of Canada’s most renowned artists, and discovered Franco-Manitoban artists such as Dominique Rey and Anna Binta Diallo, to name but two. The Maison’s centre and gallery is also a pillar for the professionalization of Western Canada’s contemporary art scene. It participates in national initiatives to represent and develop the Franco-Canadian cultural milieu, for example, recently hosting a cohort of Francophone curators through an initiative of the Association des groupes en arts visuels francophones. The space at La Maison is essential to fulfilling this professionalization mandate.

  To deprive oneself of a space like La Maison, its experience and its resources, is to deprive all of Western Canada, and Canada by extension, of a resource and an expertise essential to the Franco-Canadian cultural milieu, and to Canada as a whole. It means depriving the city of Winnipeg of a little cultural jewel that will have shaped or left its mark on some of Manitoba’s up-and-coming cultural talent, past and future.
• Share [originally posted in French] - Memories of encounters on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - Memories of encounters on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - Memories of encounters on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - Memories of encounters link

  [originally posted in French] - Memories of encounters

  about 2 years ago

  Hello,

  Being from the Quebec City area, I have nothing but fond memories of La Maison des artistes francophones. I had an exhibition there a couple of years ago and had the pleasure of meeting some very generous and hospitable people. My enriching experience allowed me to discover the city of Saint-Boniface and its historical sites.

  For me, the Maison des artistes francophones is a unique place where it is possible to meet people from all backgrounds and with different histories. I hope that this place will remain for many years to come.

  Hello,

  Being from the Quebec City area, I have nothing but fond memories of La Maison des artistes francophones. I had an exhibition there a couple of years ago and had the pleasure of meeting some very generous and hospitable people. My enriching experience allowed me to discover the city of Saint-Boniface and its historical sites.

  For me, the Maison des artistes francophones is a unique place where it is possible to meet people from all backgrounds and with different histories. I hope that this place will remain for many years to come.
• Share [originally posted in French] - An exceptional venue – for artists and the French-speaking community on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - An exceptional venue – for artists and the French-speaking community on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - An exceptional venue – for artists and the French-speaking community on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - An exceptional venue – for artists and the French-speaking community link

  [originally posted in French] - An exceptional venue – for artists and the French-speaking community

  about 2 years ago

  My memories, my personal experience as a visual artist who has exhibited at the Maison des artistes visuels francophones, are unique.

  
  I had the pleasure of exhibiting there, giving a talk about my work, and offering a tailor-made workshop for participating artists who were inspired by the theme of my exhibition and my workshop to create an exhibition of their work.

  It was w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l! It was magical.

  Exceptional moments with fantastic people, in the heart of Saint-Boniface, several thousand kilometers from home, where I could express myself in my own language and where it was encouraged. That’s rare for me... Continue reading

  My memories, my personal experience as a visual artist who has exhibited at the Maison des artistes visuels francophones, are unique.

  
  I had the pleasure of exhibiting there, giving a talk about my work, and offering a tailor-made workshop for participating artists who were inspired by the theme of my exhibition and my workshop to create an exhibition of their work.

  It was w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l! It was magical.

  Exceptional moments with fantastic people, in the heart of Saint-Boniface, several thousand kilometers from home, where I could express myself in my own language and where it was encouraged. That’s rare for me, because I’m always asked to adapt my practice for others, even though, as a French-speaking artist, I feel like an unrecognized minority wherever I go.

  This place is important for the art it presents, for the people who go there, for the Francophone community, for the unique, unifying, original, identity-building experiences, for the way the center is run, for its incredible team, for its uniqueness, for the simple fact that its presence is a pillar within a community and within Canada.

  I live a long way from you, but where I come from, I can confirm that the Maison des artistes visuels francophones is a place where you aspire to exhibit, and one day visit, for all the things I’ve described above.

  Long life to you!
• Share [originally posted in French] - Maison des artistes on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - Maison des artistes on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - Maison des artistes on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - Maison des artistes link

  [originally posted in French] - Maison des artistes

  about 2 years ago

  My name is [removed]. I’m a member of the Maison des artistes located in the old St. Boniface City Hall. Thanks to this organization, the Maison des artistes, a great many artists from Saint-Boniface and the province of Manitoba, including myself, have received support that has enabled us to make a name for ourselves and exhibit our work. What’s more, the old City Hall symbolizes the francophone element of Winnipeg and, as such, I’m very keen that it should remain part of our heritage.

  My name is [removed]. I’m a member of the Maison des artistes located in the old St. Boniface City Hall. Thanks to this organization, the Maison des artistes, a great many artists from Saint-Boniface and the province of Manitoba, including myself, have received support that has enabled us to make a name for ourselves and exhibit our work. What’s more, the old City Hall symbolizes the francophone element of Winnipeg and, as such, I’m very keen that it should remain part of our heritage.
• Share [originally posted in French] - At the Maison des artistes on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - At the Maison des artistes on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - At the Maison des artistes on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - At the Maison des artistes link

  [originally posted in French] - At the Maison des artistes

  about 2 years ago
  

  Text:

  I like the Maison des Artistes because of the exhibitions. I’ve loved the Wolf outside since I was 3 years old.

  
  

  Text:

  I like the Maison des Artistes because of the exhibitions. I’ve loved the Wolf outside since I was 3 years old.

  
  
• Share [originally posted in French] - A symbol of stability and... on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - A symbol of stability and... on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - A symbol of stability and... on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - A symbol of stability and... link

  [originally posted in French] - A symbol of stability and...

  about 2 years ago

  adaptation in a world that often changes while forgetting its past. Just as Winnipeg did when its City Hall was demolished to make way for a new building, which will probably be demolished one day for the same reasons? You can see the consequences when you compare yourself to Toronto, which has kept its original city hall. Different function, but still there for a sense of continuity.

  In Saint-Boniface, the town hall and the 3 other buildings in our town center’s civic square are part of our daily lives. Its functions change over the years, but its importance and unifying... Continue reading

  adaptation in a world that often changes while forgetting its past. Just as Winnipeg did when its City Hall was demolished to make way for a new building, which will probably be demolished one day for the same reasons? You can see the consequences when you compare yourself to Toronto, which has kept its original city hall. Different function, but still there for a sense of continuity.

  In Saint-Boniface, the town hall and the 3 other buildings in our town center’s civic square are part of our daily lives. Its functions change over the years, but its importance and unifying character are constant, and important to maintain.

  More than 60 years ago, I visited City Hall for the first time to appear before a judge for a minor infraction at the wheel of my father’s car. He was there too. I used to go to the fire station every year to renew my bicycle license.

  Today I go inside to access information of tourist interest to us and our visitors, to see art exhibitions, or to attend meetings in a boardroom superbly suited to such a function.
• Share Considering Everything…. on Facebook Share Considering Everything…. on Twitter Share Considering Everything…. on Linkedin Email Considering Everything…. link

  Considering Everything….

  by Unbasicwhitegirl, about 2 years ago
  Considering the British’s current heel on the neck of every immigrant and indigenous person, and especially its history with the Métis and French communities, AND THE GLOATING WHEN YALL BOUGHT THE PROPERTY, “SOLD”, keeping the buildings up out of respect for the heritage and memory of what honest structures represented for the people and Winnipegs rich French history, better not repeat history with some revolt about cake.

  Considering the British’s current heel on the neck of every immigrant and indigenous person, and especially its history with the Métis and French communities, AND THE GLOATING WHEN YALL BOUGHT THE PROPERTY, “SOLD”, keeping the buildings up out of respect for the heritage and memory of what honest structures represented for the people and Winnipegs rich French history, better not repeat history with some revolt about cake.
• Share [originally posted in French] - The Civic Square, a precious symbol on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - The Civic Square, a precious symbol on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - The Civic Square, a precious symbol on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - The Civic Square, a precious symbol link

  [originally posted in French] - The Civic Square, a precious symbol

  over 2 years ago

  219 Provencher Boulevard was built and paid for by the citizens of the City of Saint-Boniface. When Saint-Boniface amalgamated with Winnipeg, City Hall and the Fire Hall were part of the property and assets that our community contributed to the City of Winnipeg as part of the amalgamation. For many years, City Hall in Saint-Boniface remained an important location for the delivery of civic services to the community. I clearly remember paying my bills and attending meetings of the Riel Community Committee at 219 Provencher Boulevard. Since then, and despite the City of Winnipeg’s new charter guaranteeing the right to... Continue reading

  219 Provencher Boulevard was built and paid for by the citizens of the City of Saint-Boniface. When Saint-Boniface amalgamated with Winnipeg, City Hall and the Fire Hall were part of the property and assets that our community contributed to the City of Winnipeg as part of the amalgamation. For many years, City Hall in Saint-Boniface remained an important location for the delivery of civic services to the community. I clearly remember paying my bills and attending meetings of the Riel Community Committee at 219 Provencher Boulevard. Since then, and despite the City of Winnipeg’s new charter guaranteeing the right to French language services in our neighbourhood, there has been an erosion in the quality and accessibility of civic services in French for the citizens of St. Boniface.

  The Civic Square at 219 Provencher Boulevard has historical, linguistic and cultural value for the citizens of the city, if not the province. The City of Winnipeg has a responsibility to maintain these community properties and assets and not simply get rid of them because it deems them "surplus".
• Share [originally posted in French] - These important places... on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - These important places... on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - These important places... on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - These important places... link

  [originally posted in French] - These important places...

  over 2 years ago

  At a time when social media and globalization are breaking down the boundaries of what is possible, it is essential to give meaning to these places that connect us to something tangible: the historic and indisputable presence of Francophones in Manitoba. The old St. Boniface City Hall and the Civic Square are among the rare places that remind me of this history. Living in and participating in the future of these spaces is one of the many ways in which my community can take its place and shine, even today.

  I also think it's important for Manitoba's francophone community (represented... Continue reading

  At a time when social media and globalization are breaking down the boundaries of what is possible, it is essential to give meaning to these places that connect us to something tangible: the historic and indisputable presence of Francophones in Manitoba. The old St. Boniface City Hall and the Civic Square are among the rare places that remind me of this history. Living in and participating in the future of these spaces is one of the many ways in which my community can take its place and shine, even today.

  I also think it's important for Manitoba's francophone community (represented by the Société de la francophonie manitobaine) to be involved in the future of these sites, whether as consultants or managers. I have every confidence in the vision currently articulated by the SFM today, which I help to shape when I elect the members of its board of directors.

  Students at Collège Louis-Riel and École élémentaire Taché (if I'm not mistaken) can see the tower of the old City Hall from their school. These buildings are part of the landscape for these students, who benefit from knowing that their community occupies public spaces, as this is a sign that it is alive and well and that they can be part of it. I myself gave my first speech to an audience on the steps of 219 Provencher Boulevard (the old Town Hall). I couldn't have imagined a better place to say the words that would define the person I am today. It’s these images that inspire me to write you this testimony and to participate in the democratic process currently underway to define the future of the former St. Boniface City Hall and Civic Square. I am not only hopeful, but confident that the City of Winnipeg and the SFM will reach a satisfactory agreement.
• Share [originally posted in French] - Benjamin on Facebook Share [originally posted in French] - Benjamin on Twitter Share [originally posted in French] - Benjamin on Linkedin Email [originally posted in French] - Benjamin link

  [originally posted in French] - Benjamin

  over 2 years ago

  How many times have I sat in the window of the café across the street, enjoying my beverage but just as much the view of the bell tower of the Hôtel de ville? As a newcomer to Manitoba, 219 Blvd Provencher will always be a symbol of my integration and therefore of my belonging to the French-speaking community. When I arrived in 2014, the building housed the WTC offices. While I had the chance to appreciate its architectural aesthetics when I first discovered the French-speaking neighbourhood, I was also able to immediately connect it to my personal history, as I... Continue reading

  How many times have I sat in the window of the café across the street, enjoying my beverage but just as much the view of the bell tower of the Hôtel de ville? As a newcomer to Manitoba, 219 Blvd Provencher will always be a symbol of my integration and therefore of my belonging to the French-speaking community. When I arrived in 2014, the building housed the WTC offices. While I had the chance to appreciate its architectural aesthetics when I first discovered the French-speaking neighbourhood, I was also able to immediately connect it to my personal history, as I regularly used the WTC's French-speaking services to help me integrate. The first Francophones I met there partly determined my relationship with Manitoba's Francophonie and my pride in belonging to it.

  The cultural identity of this building is also very strong thanks to its Maison des artistes. The many projects and activities within its walls and garden have created memories that I cultivate as I share them with my family, my community and the circle of friends I've made since then.

  Through their architectural characteristics, 219 Provencher Boulevard and 212 Dumoulin Street dominate the landscape of St Boniface, jewels of the Manitoba’ Francophonie. A culture is alive through the links it can forge between its past and its present. That's why it's so important to preserve this heritage while allowing Riel's heirs to reinvent themselves, a process that's essential if we're to project ourselves into the future, as the Francophone community has always done since it first settled in the Red River Valley.