This summer, the Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) had the privilege of crowning the winner of the Grant Élan Madeleine Féquière, a prestigious award designed to support and celebrate the emerging talent of young black women in the arts and cultural entrepreneurship. We are delighted to announce that Ornella Salnot has been chosen as this year's recipient.
Ornella Salnot, a director and cinematographer of Guadeloupean origin, won over the jury with her passion, creativity and commitment to the world of cinema. In 2019, she left her native island for Canada, determined to pursue her dreams and explore the horizons of cinema.
Ornella graduated in film studies from the Université de Montréal and soon decided to co-found the film production company OMLStudios, alongside her friends Lisa L'aquitaine and Maëlle Bonnegrace.
The Madeleine Féquière Élan Grant embodies the spirit of boldness and innovation, and is a testament to CCAM's commitment to the advancement of young talent in black communities.
Madeleine Féquière, a businesswoman passionate about the arts and dedicated to empowering women in the arts and entrepreneurship, made the creation of this grant possible through her generosity and ongoing mentorship.
Madeleine Féquière said: "Creativity is the engine that propels dreams into reality, especially in black communities. I firmly believe in the limitless potential of our youth and, in particular, young women. The Grant Élan Madeleine Féquière embodies this spirit of daring and innovation. Congratulations to Ornella Salnot, recipient 2023, an exceptional young woman whose passion and talent illuminate a promising cultural future. May this grant be the first step towards a flourishing career!"
Ornella Salnot, 2023 recipient of the Élan Madeleine Féquière Grant, says: "Creativity is the key that opens the doors to the soul. This Grant is a spark that rekindles the flame of my faith in the immense power of art. I'm honoured to be the very first recipient, and ready to write the next page of my artistic journey."
Allen Alexandre, Executive Director of CCAM, shares: "The Grant Élan Madeleine Féquière embodies our commitment to the cultural future and CCAM's sensitivity to the reality of intersectionality in the daily lives of black communities. For this first-ever Grant, we recognize and salute the vision and creativity of Ornella Salnot, a talented artist who collectively enriches the artistic community. We look forward to the cultural horizons Ornella will open up, and will continue our work to support and promote the cultural and artistic heritage of black communities."
CCAM is honored to play a role in supporting the next generation of black female creators, and to celebrate the talent and creativity that make our African-Canadian heritage so rich. We warmly congratulate Ornella Salnot on her remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing her future accomplishments shine within the greater cultural and artistic community.