EM15: The International Dimension Is in Its DNA

The fifteenth edition of the combined ELEKTRA and MUTEK festivals took place under the sign of innovation. Eighty-five indoor and outdoor performances, including sixteen world premieres, were held from May²⁷ to June 1, 2014. Visionary artists in digital, sound and visual creation invaded the metropolis. Nearly half of EM15 spectators came fromoutside Québec.

For Alain Mongeau, founder and directorof MUTEK, EM15 and its convergence with the Biennale internationale d’art numérique and the Société des arts technologiques brought an international component that made it possible to grasp everything happening in the metropolis and to promote Printemps numérique. This concentrated proposal amplified theevent’s impact. The international dimension is in their DNA, he explained; they offer a product that is unique in North America. Montréal remains a prized destination because of its distinctive character, and visitors can have a fairly

immersive experience.

The event enabled networking and behind-the-scenes work on projects. Several presenters were able to meet artists from all backgrounds. According to Alain Mongeau, it was an exceptional alignment. The fifteenth anniversary marked an important moment in the festival’s trajectory, and the team benefited

from a special energy.

The Conférence régionale des élus (CRÉ) de Montréal also took the opportunity, on May 27, to invite international journalists visiting EM15 to Centre PHI in order to foster networking. Marie-Claire Dumas, director general of the CRÉ, emphasized that Printemps numérique was in full swing and that major international pillars were standing out. Montréal’s creativity is resonating abroad, and the guiding thread of Printemps

numérique makes it possible

Yves Lalumière, president and CEO ofTourisme Montréal, viewed these alliances positively. In his view, bringing moments together under a theme makes the city easier to promote. The synergy among events sparks curiosity. Printemps numérique, the Musée des beaux-arts, Formula 1and C2MTL are allpart of a cultural ecosystem that makes the metropolis shine even more and enriches its identity as Canada’s cultural metropolis par excellence.

For him, culture, sport and business can absolutely go together; the key is to find the right way. We must invest in distinctive elements and produce an interesting event calendar in order to become an essential destination.

Pierre Bellerose, vice-president of public relations, research and product development for Tourisme Montréal, agrees. He sees the situation as very positive: players are working together and bringing initiatives that show how much is happening in Montréal in digital art. This creative niche helps position the metropolis as an avant-garde city and contributes to increasing travel by fans.