L’éclat d’un soir brings together nearly 700 guests to benefit the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
Generosity was in full swing on September 25, when nearly 700 people from the business, philanthropy, and arts communities gathered at La Nesra for the Bal du Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC). Under the theme “L’éclat d’un soir,” the event raised over $1.4 million to benefit the Museum’s collection.
The funds raised will help finance the acquisition of new works, as well as their preservation and accessibility, ensuring that the collection continues to grow and reach audiences today and tomorrow.
The three honorary co-chairs—Marc Barbeau, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Air Canada; Guy Côté, Senior Wealth Management Advisor and Portfolio Manager at National Bank Financial – Équipe Guy Côté, and Roger T. Duguay, Managing Partner at Boyden and leader of the Canadian CEO recruitment practice, have combined their commitment and networks with those of the organizing committee to rally the community around the MAC’s collection.
Chaired by Patricia Lemaire, the committee included Violette Cohen, Cynthia Coutya, Erika Del Vecchio, Josée Dufresne, Francis Guindon, Nicolas Morin, and Cathy Samson.
The Fondation du MAC extends its warmest thanks to the honorary co-chairs and members of the organizing committee for their dedication and contribution to the success of this year’s event.
Art at the Heart of the Evening
Bringing together art, music, and celebration, L’éclat d’un soir had several surprises in store for guests.
Art took center stage thanks to the Bal du MAC auction. Curator Erika Del Vecchio’s selection featured works by artists Arta Ajeti, Pardiss Amerian, Geneviève Cadieux, Wanda Koop, Élise Lafontaine, Nicolas Lachance, Suzy Lake and Jeanie Riddle. Bidding continued right up until the evening of the Ball, offering the public another way to support the MAC’s collection.
A surprise gospel performance was one of the highlights of the festivities. Guests then experienced Avec la langue, an audio-reactive visual installation by internationally renowned artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, in which every sound triggered a new kiss. Presented in the center of the dance floor, the work reacted in real time to the ambient sound, fully integrating art into the celebration. The evening continued under the musical direction of Christian Pronovost.
Guests also had the opportunity to view a selection of works presented by the Galerie Blouin Division.
All the sparkle of the evening
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with Pol Roger champagne and a caviar tasting courtesy of Oysters & Caviar, before taking their seats for a gourmet meal prepared by Traiteur Brera. Several experiences highlighted the evening: a skin analysis station provided by Dermapure, a beauty touch-up station offered by Maison Jacynthe, and an espresso martini bar by Café Liégeois. Guests also enjoyed a concierge service provided by Air Canada, as well as lounge areas and a photo booth with Shoot Studio, all furnished with élément de base furniture.
Attendees had the chance to enter a raffle for a chance to win one of the prizes offered by Air Canada, Bixler’s, Montblanc – Montreal Downtown, Paoletti Guitars, and ROYALMOUNT. Guests also received a gift courtesy of NUVO magazine.
The world of L’éclat d’un soir came to life thanks to the brand identity and design by maubau, the photography by Shoot Studio, and the production, artistic direction, and set design by LaBoum.
The Fondation du MAC extends its warmest thanks to its partners, as well as to all the vendors, donors, collaborators, and guests who contributed to the success of this year’s event.
Thank you to our partners: Dermapure, NUVO
Goods and services: Air Canada, Arthur Majordome, Café Liégeois, Galerie Blouin Division, Maison Jacynthe, ÖHydration, Oysters & Caviar, Patrón, Pol Roger Champagne, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Atelier Lozano-Hemmer, Ruby Brown, SAQ, Traiteur Brera, Vins Balthazard
Raffle: Air Canada, Bixler’s, Montblanc – Downtown Montreal, Paoletti Guitars, ROYALMOUNT
Creative Teams: LaBoum, maubau, Shoot Studio