Integrating the arts into the community
In establishing the Studio in Montreal, adjacent to the second-biggest landfill site in North America, Cirque du Soleil has become a key actor for the urban, social and cultural revitalization of an underprivileged neighbourhood. Cirque uses architecture, public and environmental art and show performances as methods of choice to interface with the community and as tools for social and cultural development. Here are a few of these initiatives:
- The annual participation in Quebec's Journées de la Culture, an event rooted in an initiative of Quebec's artistic milieu aiming to bring the public closer to artists and artistic companies.
- The creation of a garden of monumental sculptures in the public space surrounding the International Headquarters.
- Collaborations on a number of projects with TOHU, the Cité des arts du Cirque. TOHU is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the circus arts in Quebec and to host cultural events for the general public.
