Danièle Henkel Will Chair the Major Gifts Campaign

Official Unveiling of the Édifice Wilder Espace danse project

MONTREAL, May 22, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, Tangente, the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal and Agora de la danse are pleased to announce that Ms. Danièle Henkel will preside over the Major Gifts Campaign to complete the funding of the Édifice Wilder Espace danse.

In September 2016, these four renowned dance organizations will move to their new premises in Montreal's Quartier des spectacles. Each outstanding in their field, they will be able to pool their expertise in the new facilities to create a place of unparalleled convergence for the benefit of their art and the community

During a news conference, Ms. Hélène David, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language, commended the four institutions and Ms. Danièle Henkel for their commitment. "The coming together of four organizations to conduct the fundraising campaign reflects a real desire to make the project happen. I am also delighted that Ms. Henkel will chair the campaign. Her contagious energy and her determination will certainly have a positive influence. I hope the fundraising is a resounding success giving the dance community the means to fulfill its ambitions and develop the talent of artists in this discipline."

Respected businesswoman and founding president of Entreprises Danièle Henkel, Ms. Henkel is well known for her commitment and work in promoting health and wellness. "It is an honour to serve as Chair of the Major Gifts Campaign, said Danièle Henkel. As a former ballerina, I understand the need to invest in a place where dance can continue to develop." In the coming months, Ms. Henkel will unveil a campaign cabinet that will raise awareness and funds for the project.

Representing a total investment of $99.2 million, the project has already received $66.4 million in financial assistance from the Quebec government and $7 million from the Canadian government. The campaign, chaired by Ms. Henkel, will seek to raise $25.8 million de dollars to complete the funding.

The Canadian government has reiterated its support for the project. "Our government is proud to invest in major infrastructure projects while we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth and building strong prosperous communities across Quebec and Canada. This new state-of-the-art building will meet the needs of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal and enhance Montreal's growing reputation as an international centre focussed on dance," noted Mr. Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. 

The new Édifice Wilder Espace danse will be an invaluable showcase for excellence and talent in dance from Montreal, Quebec and Canada to the rest of the world. It will also reinforce Montreal's position as a world leader in creativity and innovation in the art form.

More than a training centre, it will be a unique place of convergence in the country, offering many services to professionals and the public.

By moving to the Édifice Wilder Espace danse, the organizations will benefit from facilities that match their reputations and ambitions. Adapted to dance, and offering more space and larger premises, the building will allow them to bloom and expand their services to dance artists as well as the community.

"The Édifice Wilder Espace danse will have a major impact on the community. A dynamic training incubator and an agent of social and community change, it will play the role of ambassador on the international stage and in the development of individual well-being through the benefits of dance," said the Executive Director of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, Mr. Alain Dancyger, speaking on behalf of the four partners. 

"The donors' contributions will be much more than an investment in infrastructure," added Ms. Henkel. "They will enable these four institutions to continue to shine at a national and international level and position Quebec as an active participant in the development of its arts. But more importantly, these investments will help democratize dance by making it more accessible and establishing it as one of our greatest assets."

The Édifice Wilder Espace danse will advance its holistic mission through the National Centre for Dance Therapy of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. Launched in 2013, the centre is unique on the international scene for its three roles: to offer dance and movement therapy services, initiate clinical research projects and participate in the development of the first Canadian university graduate program in dance therapy.

Work to renovate and enlarge the building is managed by the Société québécoise des infrastructures. The structure will include a restaurant and a café on Place des Festivals as well as an atrium and several other common spaces. Part of an outstanding artistic showcase that receives 10 million visitors during the summer season alone, the Édifice Wilder Espace danse, designed by the consortium of architects Lapointe Magne & Ædifica, will be a landmark building with curtain walls featuring outdoor projections.   

For more information on the project, on the Major Gifts Campaign or to consult the building's specs, please visit www.wilderespacedanse.com. A video presenting the project is also available here. 

SOURCE Édifice Wilder Espace Danse

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Roxanne Chaudier, 514 375-2725, [email protected]; Philip Proulx, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language, 418 380-2310