Meet a Montrealer: Christiane Richard

Aires Libres is an annual public art event that unfolds from May to September on the pedestrian-only section of Sainte-Catherine Street East between Saint-Hubert and Papineau Streets. For the second consecutive year, a program of films focused on women will be screened this summer at Parc de l’Espoir (Hope Park).

job: Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Membership Coordinator, Le Village

Why did you decide to include outdoor movie nights in the Aires Libres program?

The idea behind Aires Libres—bringing culture to street level—is that pedestrians take hold of the public space and collectively appreciate all sorts of experiences through art and entertainment. Outdoor screenings are rooted in this idea since people head to the park in droves to enjoy all that cinema has to offer. As soon as the screening begins, they embark upon a journey of emotions that they can share with the crowd in attendance.

Why a program focused on women?

Most gay neighbourhoods worldwide exclusively address the male gender. Montréal’s Gay Village has always seen the value in the diversity of the LGBTQ community—with all its capital letters—and invites women to occupy their own place in the neighbourhood. Also, the partnership with Lez Spread The Word, which connects an impressive network of lesbians in Québec and elsewhere in the world, came totally naturally.

Tell us briefly about the films presented this year.

A wonderfully diverse program! This includes fiction feature films, documentaries, short films, and web series from everywhere around the world. Twelve evenings at Parc de L’Espoir (corner Sainte-Catherine and Panet), every week, from June to August, when night falls. This year, we are graced with the powerful documentary by Léa Pool (Mommy Is at the Hairdresser’s, Lost and Delirious): Pink Ribbons, Inc., which explores the huge machine behind breast cancer’s advocacy and funding. Also, To Russia With Love features several people, including figure skater Johnny Weir, speed skater Anastasia Bucsis (the long-time girlfriend of Charline Labonté, who came out publicly last year), and Russian activist Konstantin Yablotskiy, as they prepare for the Olympic Games in Sochi and for their first steps as activists hoping to inspire and help the Russian LGBT community. For the rest …you can consult the official program. ”

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome while organizing this year’s Aires Libres?

It can be quite difficult to secure public space! Many factors must be taken into consideration when a decision—such as the placement of a work or an event location—needs to be made. Different players facing different issues must work together. Fortunately, each edition of Aires Libres allows for building upon the last. The Village is also delighted with the collaboration of partners, like the Ville-Marie Borough, who want every event to be successful.

In your opinion what distinguishes Montréal’s Gay Village from other gay neighbourhoods in the world?

Montréal’s Gay Village offers an exceptional experience that can’t be found anywhere else. First, compared to many gay villages worldwide, the location of Montréal’s Village is not clandestine or hidden, but well situated on a major commercial thoroughfare (Sainte-Catherine Street!). And with the pedestrianization of Sainte-Catherine Street, the PINK BALLS, the artworks throughout, and the outdoor terrasses (almost 60!), we have a winning formula for a festive, holiday atmosphere. Once you step foot in the area, you are transported to a whimsical world that makes you forget the fact that you are in the centre of a metropolis … and that you indeed have to go to work the next day!

The quality of the art installations is also at the heart of the success of Montréal’s Gay Village. The PINK BALLS work by Claude Cormier has won numerous international design awards. It’s on the front cover of several Montréal tourism guides and is emerging as a symbol of the city. The works that appear on the ground have also been created by renowned Canadian artists, some of whom have international careers. All this was possible thanks to the wonderful work of Aseman Sabet, the curator of the exhibition.

What is the coolest thing you’ve done this year?

On a trip to China, I participated in a costumed pub-crawl through Shanghai’s gays bars on Halloween night. I found a lot of similarities with bars in the West, but the costumes were much more elaborate than I could have ever imagined!

What next major endeavour are you planning?

Positioning Montréal’s Gay Village among the top 10 global LGBT destinations. The Gay Village is already ranked first in Canada— tied with Toronto—and has everything it takes to become a staple for LGBT travel.

What is your best Montréal memory?

The first time I set foot in the Gay Village, at the age of 17. I was still living in the Outaouais at the time, and I stood amazed at the exit of Beaudry Métro station. A new world of freedom opened up before me.

What’s your favourite Montréal restaurant?

That’s a tough choice! Montréal offers high quality cuisine. We are fortunate to have chefs with tireless creativity. Rather than a specific restaurant, I would opt for one type of food: the classics reinvented, i.e., the mac and cheese with local cheeses, cornflake-crusted chicken, decomposed-carrot cake, etc. I love my classics, and I love being surprised.

Where do you go to have a drink with friends?

To a terrasse!

What is THE one thing a visitor to Montréal should not miss?

The PINK BALLS! I fell in love with then when they first appeared five years ago. And the numbers don’t lie: The frequency of double-decker tour busses that stop in the Gay Village for photos of the PINK BALLS is quite impressive.