articule has operated as an open-access artist-run centre since 1979, when young artists rallied around bilingualism, collaboration, and participatory management to create a multidisciplinary venue for research and experimentation outside established institutions. Born from Montreal’s parallel gallery network movement, the collective rented space on de la Montagne Street and shared programming responsibilities, eventually incorporating as a nonprofit in 1980 and offering many emerging artists their first professional exhibition opportunities while giving the public access to internationally renowned work.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The centre is dedicated to the presentation of a broad range of contemporary art practices. articule supports discursive and alternative activities that promote dialogue and build networks with local, national and international artists, collectives and organizations.
Through our various programming channels, articule strives for artistic excellence, interdisciplinarity and social engagement. While special consideration is given to emerging and marginalized artists in accordance with our Basis of Unity, we also respect those who have already established important precedents, who continue to test the limits of aesthetic gesture, and who commit themselves to the ideals of experimentation and risk-taking.
What problem does it aim to solve?
articule’s founders rallied around shared values that remain central to its operation today: bilingualism, collaboration and participatory management. In addition to approaching its modes of governance as a creative and engaged space, articule offers politicized, critical, flexible programming that manifests itself in a wide variety of ways.
Since then, articule has supported a great number of young artists, offering many a first opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional environment. The centre has given the public the opportunity to discover artists of international renown.
When did you start/join it?
A group of young artists wishing to create a multidisciplinary venue for research and experimentation founded articule in 1979, and incorporated it as a non-profit charitable organization in 1980. These artists joined forces to rent a space, assuming collective responsibility for its programming and management. articule became part of what was then known as the parallel gallery network.
articule has been located in many different spaces but is installed since 2021 in the Plaza St-Hubert, a lively, multicultural commercial district. Its arrival in this neighbourhood has highlighted the importance of articule’s street presence and the impact of its storefront, which gives neighbours and passers-by easy access to the centre and our activities. Our 1000 square foot gallery is directly on the street, highly visible, well-trafficked, and wheelchair accessible.
What made you want to get involved?
During the 1970s, in Montreal and abroad, many artists’ collectives joined their resources to found what we know today as artist-run centres. They joined forces to build their own networks and independent spaces, mostly in urban environments, outside of the constraints of established institutions.
What was the situation like when you started?
articule was created by a group of young artists wanting to create a place for multidisciplinary presentation focused on research and artistic experimentation. These artists came together to rent a space on de la Montagne Street in Montreal and shared programming and management responsibilities. articule became part of the network of what were called, at the time, parallel galleries.
How has it changed since?
In 2011, articule created the Fabulous Committee, whose mandate is to develop anti-oppression strategies to make the center more inclusive, particularly for racialized people, both in terms of the artists presented and its internal structure (members, board of directors, staff). The center decided to better represent the community in which it operates, echoing parallel gender parity efforts.
Today, most of the artists presented by articule come from marginalized communities, more racialized people sit on committees and the Board of Directors than ever before, and a majority of racialized people make up the center’s permanent and contract staff. The creation of the annual Montréal Monochrome conference event in 2013 has enabled racialized and indigenous artists and thinkers to raise awareness in the visual arts community by further addressing these issues.
What more needs to be done?
As articule approaches its 50th anniversary, its history serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and artistic courage. The centre has transformed many times over the years, responding to the evolving needs of its members and shifting political realities, all while staying committed to its founding principles of fostering artistic expression and encouraging new encounters between artists and the general public. It has remained a space where art is not just seen but felt, where community ties run deep, and where artists are given the freedom to take risks that might not be possible elsewhere.
How can our readers help?
The best way to support articule is by getting involved and becoming a member! We always need volunteers for our programming events and outreach activities. We are also looking for people to help us with translation, image creation, and other tasks. If you would like to volunteer in person or remotely, please send an email to outreach@articule.org and let us know what skills you have to offer!
As with many organizations, we are always fundraising and becoming a donor is one of the most impactful ways to help articule. We are also always interested in partnering with local businesses who might be interested in sponsoring our events by providing food or beverages or other in-kind services. Our varied activities attract a diverse audience of art-interested people from Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie and beyond.
Do you have any events coming up?
We are pleased to announce the eleventh edition of Montreal Monochrome, our annual conference event, which will take place from May 20th to 24th, with the theme TRANSIENT.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Mastodon
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We would like to highlight the work and efforts of the team at Brique par brique, a dedicated organization that shares many of our values and whose community intersects with that of Articule. The non-profit organization was founded by community organizers and racialized professionals to respond innovatively and from a social justice perspective to the need for affordable housing in the multicultural neighbourhood of Parc-Extension and beyond.
