a cultural hub for black communities
CAPITAL PROJECT
The capital project for the Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) is its flagship project. This project involves the creation of an inclusive cultural space in Montreal, whose mission is "to preserve and promote the cultural and artistic heritage of Black communities through innovation and intercultural exchange".
The Centre is to be built in downtown Montreal, on the edge of the Quartier des spectacles. The former École des Beaux-Arts will be redeveloped, while two extensions will be built. The first, to the side, will add a signature entrance to the building, ensuring universal accessibility, and the second, to the rear, will add a large performance hall.
The CCAM will serve as a cultural home, a gathering place and a space for disseminating the culture and heritage of black communities.
In its physical dimension, the Centre will have two components:
1) Space for artistic creation
The centre will provide short- and long-term rental space for cultural and/or artistic enterprises and organizations, fostering the development of a creative hub, enabling them to co-create, and produce content and programming in a variety of disciplines and forms, for dissemination within the space. To this end, the CCAM will be equipped with multi-use facilities, such as:
- A rehearsal studio (dance, theater, vocal groups, filming)
- A digital creation and video editing studio
- A recording studio for music and podcasts
- A studio for various creative workshops
2) Gathering and distribution space
The CCAM will feature free facilities for public use, such as phone charging stations, internet access and free programming. It will be a gathering place for black communities and a space for intercultural exchange for Montrealers.
In order to create and respond to the expressed needs and gaps in cultural and community infrastructures adapted for Black communities, the CCAM will have the following spaces at its disposal:
- A multi-purpose hall
- An auditorium for shows and receptions
- A cinema
- A café-bistro and summer terrace
- Catering facilities
- A bookshop
- An archive room
- A book consultation room
Activities at the Centre include
- Host events celebrating the heritage of Black communities, including activities surrounding milestones such as Black History Month, Canada Day and Saint-Jean Baptiste Day.
- Diffusion of live art and performance art
- Film screenings
- Conferences
- Visual arts exhibitions
- Varnishing
- Shooting
- Corporate and private launches and receptions (galas, "5 à 7s", etc.)
- Recreational and extracurricular activities for young people
The 45,000 sq. ft. space will be inaugurated in 2027.