"Bringing together nearly 700 people around the MAC is a testament to the strength of this community and its commitment to contemporary art. We are very proud to have contributed to this exceptional event," said Marc Barbeau, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at Air Canada.
"The funds raised at the Ball will have a tangible impact on the enrichment, preservation, and accessibility of the MAC's collection. It's a contribution that will have a lasting impact," adds Guy Côté, senior wealth management advisor and portfolio manager at National Bank Financial--Guy Côté Team.
"The Bal du MAC creates a unique gathering of the business, philanthropy, and arts communities. This ability to bring people together around a common cause is what makes the event so powerful," continues Roger T. Duguay, managing partner at Boyden and leader of the Canadian CEO recruitment practice.
The three honorary co-chairs combined their commitment and networks with those of the organizing committee to rally the community around the MAC's collection. Chaired by Patricia Lemaire, the committee included Violette Cohen, Cynthia Coutya, Erika Del Vecchio, Josée Dufresne, Francis Guindon, Nicolas Morin, and Cathy Samson.
Among the guests were also several prominent figures from the arts, business, and philanthropy communities, including the Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, and Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montreal.
Art at the Heart of the Evening
Bringing together art, music, and celebration, L'éclat d'un soir had several surprises in store for guests.
Art took center stage thanks to the Bal du MAC auction. Curator Erika Del Vecchio's selection featured works by artists Arta Ajeti, Pardiss Amerian, Geneviève Cadieux, Wanda Koop, Élise Lafontaine, Nicolas Lachance, Suzy Lake and Jeanie Riddle. Bidding continued right up until the evening of the Ball, offering the public another way to support the MAC's collection.
A surprise gospel performance was one of the highlights of the festivities. Guests then experienced Avec la langue, an audio-reactive visual installation by internationally renowned artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, in which every sound triggered a new kiss. Presented in the center of the dance floor, the work reacted in real time to the ambient sound, fully integrating art into the celebration. The evening continued under the musical direction of Christian Pronovost.
Guests also had the opportunity to view a selection of works presented by the Galerie Blouin Division.
All the sparkle of the evening
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with Pol Roger champagne and a caviar tasting courtesy of Oysters & Caviar, before taking their seats for a gourmet meal prepared by Traiteur Brera. Several experiences highlighted the evening: a skin analysis station provided by Dermapure, a beauty touch-up station offered by Maison Jacynthe, and an espresso martini bar by Café Liégeois. Guests also enjoyed a concierge service provided by Air Canada, as well as lounge areas and a photo booth with Shoot Studio, all furnished with élément de base furniture.
Attendees had the chance to enter a raffle for a chance to win one of the prizes offered by Air Canada, Bixler's, Montblanc – Montreal Downtown, Paoletti Guitars, and ROYALMOUNT. Guests also received a gift courtesy of NUVO magazine.
"The success of this year's event is a testament to the strong support for the Museum and its collection. Every donation we receive allows us to provide tangible support for the MAC as we proudly move toward its reopening in 2028. We are deeply grateful to our honorary co-chairs, our organizing committee, our donors, and everyone who contributed to the 2026 Bal du MAC," said Catherine Julien, Executive Director of the Fondation du MAC.
The world of L'éclat d'un soir came to life thanks to the brand identity and design by maubau, the photography by Shoot Studio, and the production, artistic direction, and set design by LaBoum.
The Fondation du MAC extends its warmest thanks to its partners, as well as to all the vendors, donors, collaborators, and guests who contributed to the success of this year's event.
About the Fondation du MAC
The mission of the Fondation du Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal is to support the Museum across all areas of its activity, including the expansion of its collection, the production of exhibitions, outreach, and educational programming. To fulfill this role, the Foundation raises funds from businesses, philanthropic foundations, and individuals who are committed to the promotion and preservation of contemporary art from Québec, Canada, and beyond. The Foundation also plays a key role in financing the MAC's major transformation project, in anticipation of its reopening in 2028. Through these efforts, it contributes to the continued growth and influence of Canada's first major institution devoted exclusively to contemporary art: the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal.
macm.org/fondation/
SOURCE Fondation du MAC
Media Inquiries: Vincent Morel, Public Relations Consultant, Hartling Communications, [email protected], +1-514-917-8798
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