After breaking ground on its future , the CCAM invites the public to help create a permanent space dedicated to the artistic and cultural heritage of Black communities.
Montreal, November 12 – The Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) announces the launch of the public phase of its major fundraising campaign, aimed at raising $5 million to help bring to life the vision for its future cultural hub, located at 3450 Saint-Urbain Street, in the former École des beaux-arts de Montréal. After kicking off renovation and expansion work last June, the CCAM is taking the next step by inviting the Montreal community, businesses, and philanthropic partners to rally behind a project designed to preserve, celebrate, and promote the artistic and cultural heritage of Black communities.
For generations, Black communities have helped shape Montreal’s identity through their creativity, ideas, and commitment. Yet a significant portion of their histories and contributions remains unknown or underrepresented. The future CCAM aims to help bridge this gap by creating a permanent space for dialogue, gathering, and cultural transmission, open to the entire population.
“ At a time when our society needs connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging more than ever, the CCAM can serve as a beacon. In the heart of Montreal, we are building an institution that celebrates Black culture and history while building bridges between communities, generations, and across Canada. The CCAM does more than preserve the roots of Canada’s Black communities; it also helps enrich the future of Canadian culture.”, said Allen Alexandre, President and CEO of the CCAM.
An Investment in Montreal's Cultural Future
The fundraising campaign will support the development and activation of the future Center’s spaces, the expansion of its cultural and artistic programming, and concrete initiatives promoting creativity, memory, and emerging artists. In particular, it will help provide opportunities for creation and presentation to artists, develop the Black Communities Memory Lab, support young people’s access to music education, and offer cultural activities accessible to the public. This initiative builds on the investments and efforts made to transform the former École des beaux-arts de Montréal into a space dedicated to artistic creation, artistic presentation, and intercultural dialogue.
The future Center will include, among other things, a performance hall that can seat between 215 and 330 people, exhibition and creative spaces, and community gathering areas. Beyond its physical facilities, it will provide a space where artists can be showcased, where young people can find inspiration, and where different generations can come together around a rich and vibrant cultural heritage.
The Campaign Our Culture in Action is built around four key commitments:
- CREATE — Provide artists and creators with the spaces, resources, and opportunities they need to develop and share their work.
- PASS ON — Preserve stories and cultural heritage, particularly through the Black Communities Memory Lab, and promote access to arts education for young people.
- BRING TOGETHER — Make CCAM a meeting place open to everyone, where communities, generations, and cultures can come together and exchange ideas.
- SHINE A LIGHT ON — To provide a platform for artists, creators, and the contributions of Black communities, both in Montreal and elsewhere in Canada.
A collective effort to build a lasting legacy
To support this new phase, the CCAM can count on a strong and dedicated campaign team, made up of several members, including Allen Alexandre, founder and CEO of CCAM; Margaret Archer, Chair of the CCAM Board of Directors; Darsen Charles, Vice President, RBC Commercial Financial Services; Rose Marcello, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Fonds d’action; Souad Elmallem, Executive Partner, 6temik, and Sabrina Bambara, Vice President, Digital and Brand. Through their commitment and networks, these ambassadors will help raise awareness of the project and mobilize new partners around this cultural initiative.
The campaign office is tasked with supporting the CCAM in rolling out its philanthropic campaign, helping to raise its profile, and mobilizing donors, businesses, and partners around its mission. Its members draw on their experience, commitment, and networks to encourage new contributions and turn this campaign into a collective movement of support.
With the launch of this campaign, the CCAM invites everyone who believes in the unifying power of culture to take part in this collective endeavor. Every contribution represents a concrete step toward supporting the creation of a sustainable cultural institution that will provide a permanent home in the heart of Montreal for the stories, contributions, and aspirations of Black communities.
Join us. Give. Build. Be a part of it.
To learn more about the campaign and find out how you can contribute, visit ccamontreal.ca/action
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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Media Contact:
Laura Silva
Edelman Canada
Laura.Silva@edelman.com