SVMMAV Exhibition by the APASQ

SVMMAV

Is your profession endangered?

Quebec designers cannot currently be considered rare. However, a massive exodus of professionals in the cultural sector, an ever-shrinking number of design students, and a seeming lack of interest in the living arts on the part of the government are leading to uncertainty about the future of their practices. With the pandemic exacerbating existing difficulties, we are now witnessing a growing fragility in the performing arts. Forced to adapt and do better with less, these artists continue to create brilliantly, boldly and with pleasure.

In light of these concerns, Curator Patrice Charbonneau-Brunelle wanted to address the theme of RARE by creating a fictional foundation dedicated to helping designers: SVMMAV (The Society for the Survival and Promotion of the Living Arts Movement). Between parody and editorial, this proposal explores the tension that exists between artists and the precariousness of their professions, reminding us that the artistic ecosystem relies above all on these creators and that their survival is vital to the cultural industry.

At the centre of the exhibition, eight artists representing different fields of design engage with us through interviews. They share their journey, their process and their vision of what creation is.

SVMMAV, you’ll fit right in!

SVMMAV

APASQ

The Association des professionnels des arts de la scène du Québec (APASQ) represents the entirety of props, hairstyle, costume, set, lights, soundscape, make-up and puppet designers who work in Quebec, in the fields of theatre, music, dance, variety, lyrical theatre, opera, circus and multidisciplinary manifestations. The association carries a double mandate that remains unchanged since its creation.

• The study, defense, and developement of economic, societal, moral and professional interests of the professionnal artists it represents, members and non-members. 
• The promotion and broadcasting of Québécois scenographic creation through national and international exhibitions, seminars, round tables and conferences.