Plural Contemporary Art Fair, formerly Papier, is April 12-14, 2024

With the unveiling of a new name, Plural Contemporary Art Fair last year, AGAC’s flagship event is back on track this spring. The event formerly known as Papier is back at Grand Quay of the Port of Montréal from April 12 to 14, 2024. A perfect activities for you dear gentlemen.

Why the name change?

As I said at the outset, Papier is now Plural, if you missed last year announcement. You may wonder why such a strong brand is changing its identity. In fact, AGAC has been thinking about this since 2019. “The decision was made at length, it must be said that we bring together 40 galleries that present much more than art on paper, and some of them found the name limiting in relation to their field of expertise and it could allow us to build a new clientele of collectors and broaden our audience,” explains the AGAC’s former executive director, which has been replaced by Mrs. Anie Deslauriers.

In addition, Ms. Lacroix, says last year, that the country’s major collectors and patrons didn’t always show up, because some felt that Papier was not for them. “And slowly the exhibition opened up to other mediums, and two years ago all the criteria fell away, so the galleries had free rein in their presentations. After various consultations, Plural was born. What we liked was that we went from one medium (paper) to several (Plurality, numbers, etc.), and that it was easy to understand, simple, effective and bilingual, because we have galleries across the country,” adds Ms. Lacroix.

Plural Contemporary Art Fair: A name to grow on

The change in identity also brings a change in space. While the event remains at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montréal (formerly known as Alexandra Pier), it is now spread over two floors, a wish the organization has cherished since 2018, and with the arrival of the new brand, the timing was perfect.

The entrance will now be on the 2nd floor, so that people can get a good look at the pavilion. Upon arrival at the fair, visitors will be greeted by an exhibition featuring seven contemporary Canadian artists. Composed of major works in a variety of mediums and techniques, the exhibition on the 2nd floor will allow the public to contemplate sculptures, paintings, textiles and multimedia installations while enjoying the enchanting decor of the Pavilion. The round tables will also be there. There will also be a restaurant with seating for the first time, as well as a space reserved for monumental works and partners. The ground floor will be reserved for the galleries. “The second floor will be reserved for education and programming, while the ground floor is dedicated to the art market,” adds Mrs. Lacroix (in 2023).

One might wonder if the event’s faithful have followed them since the change of venue, but it’s more complex than just the new location “In 2018 we introduced the ticketing, and in 2019 we were moving to the Grand Quay. We definitely had a dip, but after that it was a steady progression (if you exclude the pandemic). We really found our homeport (no pun intended) at the Grand Quay. Everyone thinks it’s the perfect place,” says the former director.

Loyal spokesperson and honorary president

You may know Karine Vanasse as one of the stars of the event in the past and a passionate art lover. The actress, well known for her role in Cardinal and several other series in Canada and abroad, is back as spokesperson for the 2024 edition. “For me, the artworks featured at Plural represent wonderful, sincere and important encounters with the artists and their art. The Plural fair offers a unique immersion into what makes contemporary art in Canada so vibrant. Each year, hundreds of works make me reflect, react and move me thanks to a myriad of artists who are willing to share their world with us,” says Mrs. Vanasse.

It would also be hard to overlook the return of the Honorary President, Éric Bujold, Head of Client Relations at the National Bank of Canada. “Plural Contemporary Art Fair provides art lovers with the opportunity to nurture their passion and share it in a unique and inclusive space where all are welcome. Whether you are an artist, a professional in the field, a collector or simply have an eagerness to learn more, the Plural fair will surely inspire you. It is a major artistic event, for which I have the honour to be involved for several years. The Plural fair is an exceptional opportunity to promote contemporary art and its artists. It is an experience to be discovered or rediscovered. It is very important for the National Bank and myself to continue our commitment to promoting culture and supporting our contemporary art. We hope to see you at the fair!,” adds Mr. Bujold.

An educational mission at the heart of Plural Contemporary Art Fair

Education is certainly one of the aspects that is at the heart of the event’s mission, in addition to ensuring the recognition and prosperity of the contemporary art market in Canada. “To ensure the success of our members, there needs to be more monetary investment from the public in the works of the galleries we represent, to lead to this purchase, there needs to be an understanding that this educational mission of the event is attached to, because we see our visitors as the collectors of tomorrow. For this to happen, they must be interested in them, understand them, know the language in order to be able to exchange with the artists, the galleries, the milieu, and if we give them these keys to reading and these moments of exchange, they will attend the openings and make acquisitions, and perhaps they will become regular clients of our members,” explains the professional in contemporary art and former executive director of AGAC.

The next edition of the Gallery Weekend will take place in the Autumn again. For four days, some twenty contemporary art galleries invited by the AGAC open their doors to the general public and offer a host of activities. It’s the perfect time to discover numerous exhibitions, and to meet and talk with gallery owners, artists and others in the art world. Take advantage of the programming offered in the galleries on the web and social networks: visits with artists, curators, discussions, and more.

Also, the Plural Forum programme, of which you can discover most of the lectures from past years online, the guided tours and the satellite programmes will help visitors who are less familiar with the Plural project.

An event that grows over the years perfect for the gentlemen

From its humble beginnings in Westmount Square with one table to the Place des Festivals to the Complexe de Gaspé to the Arsenal to the Grand Quay, Plural Contemporary Art Fair continues to build a following and its partners continue to follow the event. “Our partners appreciate our rebranding, which is obviously more inclusive.

A final piece of advice we give you is to take more time to attend Plural as it is on two floors and you will have more to see.

Galleries participating in the 2024 edition

A total of 39 galleries will be taking part in the 2024 edition of the Plural contemporary art fair at the Port of Montréal’s Grand Quay, bringing together more than 450 artists. Dear gentlemen, that is an array of art perfect to start or enhance your collection.

• Art Mûr (Montréal)
• Birch Contemporary (Toronto)
• Blouin Division (Montréal/Toronto)
• Bradley Ertaskiran (Montréal)
• Chiguer Art Contemporain (Montréal/Québec)
• Christie Contemporary (Toronto)
• Daniel Faria Gallery (Toronto)
• Duran | Mashaal (Montréal)
• Eli Kerr (Montréal)
• ELLEPHANT (Montréal)
• Franz Kaka (Toronto)
• Galerie C.O.A (Montréal)
• Galerie Hugues Charbonneau (Montréal)
• Galerie Jean-Claude Bergeron (Ottawa)
• Galerie Lacerte art contemporain (Montréal)
• Galerie LarocheJoncas L’appartement (Montréal)
• Galerie Nicolas Robert (Montréal/Toronto)
• Galerie Robert Poulin (Montréal)
• Galerie Robertson Arès (Montréal)
• Galerie Simon Blais (Montréal)
• Galeries Roger Bellemare et Christian Lambert (Montréal)
• Gallery Jones (Vancouver)
• Macaulay & Co. Fine Art (Vancouver)
• McBride Contemporain (Montréal)
• Pangée (Montréal)
• Patel Brown (Montréal & Toronto)
• Patrick Mikhail (Montréal)
• Paul Petro Contemporary Art (Toronto)
• Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain (Montréal)
• Slate Fine Art (Halifax)
• Susan Hobbs Gallery (Toronto)
• The Blue Building (Halifax)
• TIAN CONTEMPORAIN (Montréal)
• Towards (Toronto)
• Unit 17 (Vancouver)
• United Contemporary (Toronto)
• VIVIANEART (Calgary)
• Yves Laroche Galerie d’art (Montréal)
• Zalucky Contemporary (Toronto)

Emerging galleries at Espaces Pavillon

ACAG also unveiled the 7 galleries selected for the Pavilion Spaces section of the 2024 edition of the Plural fair.

Located on the 2nd floor of the Grand Quay, the Espaces Pavillon will be taken over by alternative galleries, each presenting the work of one or two artists. For the first time this year, project spaces and atypical or emerging galleries have been invited to apply to take part in the fair as exhibitors.

As part of this brand new initiative, Plural is proud to welcome :

• Artroduction (Québec City)
• Atelier-Galerie A. Piroir (Montréal)
• Collection Art Volt (Montréal)
• IOTA Studios (Halifax)
• Plataforma Artbase (Montréal/Mexico)
• Projet commun (Montréal)
• Salon Art Club (Montréal)

Plural points out that these galleries were chosen for their singular approach and vision, reflecting the diversity that characterizes Plural. Their participation demonstrates AGAC’s commitment to supporting and promoting a dynamic contemporary art scene.

2024, Schedule and prices

Regular rate: $25
Senior rate: $23
Student rate: $20
3-day pass: $60

Friday, April 12: noon – 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 13: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 14: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Buy your tickets here