Dominique Fontaine’s curatorial research residency focuses on fundamental reflections around questions of migration, belonging, and alienation. The residency examines contemporary issues faced by cities with diverse populations resulting from immigration. In artistic and curatorial research terms, the hypothesis is to position the city, that is, Montreal, not as a simple object of study but as a method for intellectual creation and production that crosses artistic disciplines and social sciences. This hypothesis undoubtedly upholds a radical and necessary interdisciplinary approach.

Scènes de la vie quotidienne à Montréal (on belonging and the politics of belonging) proposes to examine the relationship between art, migration, and representation, in the Montreal context, and that of contemporary art practices. In the midst of social transitions, economic competitions, and seemingly exponential social inequalities, how do we question the notion of social belonging? What are the impacts of current politics of belonging on social cohesion in Montreal? In the current political and social context, can art only be experienced on a theoretical level or can it also point to collective experiences? How to think the world we live in? And how to think about these questions regarding society that touch us all.

Through a series of activities, artists, academics, intellectuals, and publics, will talk to each other about these urgent questions along with those linked to the social and political space of art.

This cycle of activities proposes the creation of a research platform that blends practical, critical, and theoretical approaches, by developing tools for creation, thought production, and skill sharing. Each activity will be anchored by the guest’s own practice around questions posed by Scènes de la vie quotidienne à Montréal (on belonging and the politics of belonging). It will result in artworks, screenings, discussions, blogs, articles, an exhibition as well as a publication.

Outreach  

Participating Artists: Dominique Fontaine (Montreal)
Curator(s): Dominique Fontaine (Montreal)
Credits: Image: Bridge, 2011, Dominique Fontaine