Incomparable masterworks of living art - Mosaïcultures Internationales Montréal 2013 presents Land of Hope

MOSAICULTURES INTERNATIONALES DE MONTREAL

A spectacular treat for the senses, June 22 to September 29, 2013 at the Montreal Botanical Garden

MONTREAL, Feb. 4, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Today marked the official launch of the world's most prestigious competition of horticultural art, Mosaïcultures Internationales Montréal 2013 (MIM2013). A highlight of the event was the disclosure of the competition's key theme, Land of Hope, a strong message about the planet's biodiversity. Also unveiled was a maquette of The Tree of Birds, a masterwork depicting some 60 bird species along with the most endangered amphibians on Earth. The launch was held at the Montreal Botanical Garden in the presence of numerous dignitaries and government representatives.

The competition is made possible through a partnership between two horticultural giants of international renown: Mosaïcultures Internationales Montréal, and the Montreal Botanical Garden—A Space for Life. As the organizers of MIM2013, they will present some 40 works from Europe, Asia, America, the Middle East and Africa, each more dazzling than the next. In total, some 200 of the world's most talented horticultural artists will compete for the Grand Honorary Jury Award and the People's Choice Award.

"To date, Belgium, China, South Korea, Spain, the United States, France, Japan, Mexico, Turkey and a number of African nations have confirmed their participation," said MIM General Manager Lise Cormier. "In showcasing the international art of mosaiculture, this event will serve as an impressive cultural kaleidoscope."

"The City of Montreal is thrilled to help make this event a reality, said Mayor of Montreal. The city's objective is to consistently increase its reputation not only as a creative hub, but also as community dedicated to biodiversity. This summer, the Mosaicultures will increase Montreal's appeal as a tourist destination and most certainly drive the expansion of our Botanical Garden, already ranked third largest in the world, which is a great source of pride for us!"

As it fills visitors with a sense of wonder, MIM2013 will also convey the importance of preserving the incredible wealth of life on Earth. Participating nations will each create a work of mosaiculture that represents something of their culture in addition to drawing on the theme of Land of Hope, which has six components:

• The interdependence of man and nature
• Positive actions for the environment
• Endangered or at-risk species or ecosystems
• Nature in the city
• The beauty and fragility of life on earth
• Peace: the key to planetary survival

A spectacular 2-km circuit
A knowledgeable and imaginative mix of over three million plants will constitute the exhibition's 2-km circuit. Visitors can enjoy living, growing, two-and three-dimensional sculptures with such evocative titles as Mother Earth (Patchamama for the indigenous peoples of the Andes), The Tree of Birds, The Man Who Planted Trees and The Forest Spirits. The program also features a range of activities offering enjoyable educational experiences while inviting visitors to take eco-friendly action.

Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, Executive Director of A Space for Life, is delighted to be working with MIM2013: "The Montreal Botanical Garden, one of the world's largest and most prestigious, is the loveliest possible setting for the magnificent works that constitute this exhibition. The Garden's extensive collections, the research it supports, its dedication to protecting and promoting biodiversity, its shared mission with the Biodôme, Insectarium and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium — all of these confer a very special character on the event. Visitors will not only experience thrilling works of exceptional quality: they'll also have the chance to get closer to nature."

Mosaïcultures Internationales Montréal 2013 - Land of Hope is made ​​possible through government contributions at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. The City of Montreal invested $4.5 million; Economic Development Canada invested $3 million and a further $1.8 million came from Quebec Government: the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy and Tourisme Québec. Tourisme Montréal invested in the event with $200,000.

In terms of attendance, organizers expect MIM2013 to enchant some one million visitors throughout summer 2013. Mounting the mosaiculture works will entail the support of Quebec's horticulture industry as well as specialist environmental, landscape architecture, engineering and design firms. The economic impact of the event is anticipated at $46.2 million, with an added value of $25.8 million estimated to support the equivalent of 733 jobs.

Tickets are available as of now at www.mosaiculturesinternationales.ca.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Mosaicultures.

The must-see event of summer 2013 is at the Montreal Botanical Garden - A Space for Life from June 22 to September 29.

Thank you to our event's official partners - Éco Entreprises Québec and Hotel Auberge Universel

Image with caption: "Unveiling of the maquette The Tree of Birds. From left to right: Louis L. Roquet, Chairman of the Board, MIM, Ginette Marotte, City Councillor, Ville de Montréal, Michael Applebaum, Mayor of Montreal, Lise Cormier, Executive Vice-President and General Manager, MIM, Claude Carignan, Senator, Government of Canada, Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, Executive Director, A Space for Life, Gilles Vincent, Director, Montreal Botanical Garden, Pascal Bérubé, Minister for Tourism. (CNW Group/MOSAICULTURES INTERNATIONALES DE MONTREAL)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130204_C2630_PHOTO_EN_23285.jpg

SOURCE: MOSAICULTURES INTERNATIONALES DE MONTREAL

Source: 
Mosaïcultures Internationales 2013 - Land of Hope

Media relations:

Suzanne Beauchamp, Public Relations  
and Special Events
Tel.: [phone]
[email protected]

Sarah Claude / Mélissa Lapierre-Grano
Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
Tel.: [phone], ext. 22/31
[email protected] / [email protected]