Montreal (Quebec), 1June June 1, 2026 – The Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) officially kicked off renovation work on its future cultural venue at 3450 Saint-Urbain Street during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by representatives from the federal and municipal governments, the cultural and community sectors, and the private sector.
The event marks a significant milestone in the realization of this major cultural and heritage project, which will transform the former École des beaux-arts de Montréal into a vibrant space dedicated to artistic expression and intercultural exchange. The Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) will become Canada’s largest centre dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of the cultural heritage of Black communities.
“This groundbreaking ceremony represents much more than the start of a construction project. It marks the realization of a collective vision championed by artists, organizations, and community leaders to create a permanent space dedicated to the stories, heritage, and talents of Black communities.” Allen Alexandre, Executive Director of CCAM
The ceremony was attended by Caroline Desrochers, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie; Cathy Wong, Mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough; and Josué Corvil, Associate Advisor on Culture, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations, and Community Living , as well as institutional, community, and philanthropic partners.
Built in 1922 and designed by architects Jean Omer Marchand and Ernest Cormier, this historic building will begin hosting a multidisciplinary cultural program in the winter of 2027, focused on showcasing the heritage and artistic expressions of Black communities.
“The arrival of the CCAM on the Plateau Mont-Royal is a true source of pride and momentum for our borough. This project will bring to life new cultural and artistic spaces, designed by and for Afro-Canadian communities, and will profoundly enrich our collective life. It serves as a tangible testament to the essential role that diversity plays in our identity.”
“We are particularly proud to have contributed to the rebirth of the former École des beaux-arts de Montréal, which stood vacant for more than 16 years and is now poised to become a vibrant, open, and inspiring artistic and cultural hub for the entire community.” Cathy Wong, Mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough.
Photos: Valérie Gassien Photography © CCAM, 2026
The future CCAM will include, among other things:
- A new performance hall at the rear of the building, with a capacity of 220 people
- A signature pavilion serving as a public space
Exhibition spaces
- A café-bar
- Multipurpose rooms
- Gathering spaces
- Facilities designed to accommodate new artistic and digital practices
- Dance studios
- An eco-friendly expansion project aimed at achieving zero-carbon building certification.
“Through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, our government supports projects that strengthen communities while promoting sustainable and accessible infrastructure. The future CCAM will become a place for gathering, creating, and sharing for generations to come.” – Caroline Desrochers, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.
The renovation of the future CCAM center is made possible thanks to strong public and institutional support:
- Nearly $14 million in federal funding, awarded under Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program;
- $4.75 million from Canadian Heritage;
- An additional $2.6 million from Employment and Social Development Canada, as part of the Support for Black Communities in Canada Initiative;
- $5 million in private funding and donations from the CCAM;
- The City of Montreal contributed $400,000 to enable the CCAM to submit a purchase offer in time for the property at 3450 Saint-Urbain Street. The CCAM’s mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase the cultural and artistic heritage of Black communities through local and international collaborations, educational initiatives, and cultural programming open to the entire population.
“The future Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre in Montreal will be a place for gathering, creativity, and dialogue that will help enrich the cultural landscape of Montreal and Canada. Our government is proud to support a project that preserves an important heritage building while creating sustainable and accessible community infrastructure for future generations.” Steven Guilbeault, Member of the National Assembly for Laurier–Sainte-Marie.
The CCAM project is part of a broader effort to create sustainable cultural spaces that are accessible and reflective of Montreal’s and Canada’s diversity. With support from government, community, philanthropic, and private-sector partners, the future center will help strengthen intercultural dialogue and support the next generation of artists, creators, and community leaders.
“Cultural institutions play a vital role in passing down stories and fostering a sense of belonging within communities. The future CCAM will become an important hub for gathering, creativity, and pride for Black communities in Montreal and across Canada.” Liban Abokor, co-founder of the Foundation for Black Communities.
Also in attendance were:
- Ericka Alneus, Leader of the Official Opposition in Montreal
- Luc Rabouin, Former Head of Projet Montréal
- Dominique Anglade, Former Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party
- Patricia Fourcand, former chair of the CCAM board of directors
- Craig Wellington, CEO of the Black Opportunity Fund
- Frank Baylis, former Member of the House of Commons, Liberal Party of Canada
- Madwa-Nika Cadet, Member of the National Assembly for Bourassa-Sauvé for the Quebec Liberal Party
- Frantz Benjamin, Member of the National Assembly for Viau representing the Quebec Liberal Party and Third Vice-President of the National Assembly
About CCAM
The Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) is a cultural organization founded in 2021 whose mission is to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural heritage of Black communities. Through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and intercultural dialogue, the CCAM contributes to Montreal’s cultural influence and the development of a lasting legacy for future generations.
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