Musique Multi-Montréal: Crossroads of World Music
Singer Lhasa de Sela had her first mainstage professional appearance at the Festival Musique Multi-Montréal (MMM). The same goes for Liu Fang, Kiya Tabassian, Paul Kunigis and countless other artists. Since its foundation, MMM has presented more than 3800 Canadian artists, representing more than 75 musical cultures. After 18 years, it is the gateway for professional musicians and composers of the world's cultures who want to settle in Montreal and make a living through their art. MMM helps world musicians become a part of this nation.
Along with promoting these emerging artists, MMM has also contributed significantly to improving their working conditions, organizing high calibre professional performances. In 2002, it created a development agent position, which led to a spectacular increase in the placement of Montreal ethnocultural artists in the performance industry. However, a shortage of financial and promotional means required in the industry limited its field of action. “Today, we respond to numerous demands for artist placement without doing any real soliciting.”
In order to continue its growth and achieve its financial objectives, MMM has to branch out into new networks. There is a rise in demands from ethnocultural associations, for example, which increasingly have elaborate infrastructures and promotional tools. Schools offer interesting perspectives, and public agencies are calling on MMM's expertise more and more. The organization has noted that trade fairs do not serve world music very well, since most this type of music is not commercial.
With the support of the Canada Council, MMM will be restructuring its team. The head of communications will assist the development agent in following up on files and contracts, so that the agent can focus on the search for new partners. A new management assistant will represent MMM with public agencies, and MMM management will work with artists to identify promotional opportunities to supplement trade fairs.
With this initiative, new world music stars will soon be putting Musique Multi-Montréal and Canada at the top of their impressive musical biographies.