The year 2024 will have been an eventful year for Émilie Tremblay, general director of the musical creation complex Le Pantoum, in Saint-Sauveur.
In a bad position due to the dizzying increase in the costs of its renovation project, which rose from 2 to 2.5 million dollars, the Pantoum had to roll up its sleeves and lead a crowdfunding campaign which enabled it to raise nearly $100,000.
During this time, the team worked hard to obtain financial support from different levels of government.
Thanks to the dynamism of Émilie Tremblay and her team, the organization can now say mission accomplished and continue its work with the emerging music scene.
Q What is your best memory of 2024?
R Despite the challenges that motivated the implementation of our crowdfunding campaign for Le Pantoum, seeing artists, partners and the community mobilize with such passion and solidarity was a profoundly impactful moment. It reminded me of the incredible strength of our community and the impact we have collectively when we unite our efforts for a cause that is close to our hearts. It was a mixture of emotion, pride and gratitude towards all these people who believe in our mission.
Q Your artistic or cultural favorite of 2024?
R The Angine de Poitrine show at the Pantoum was a real slap in the face (positively), definitely a BIG favorite. Their performance was incredible. Additionally, their album Vol.1released in June 2024, has become my musical favorite of the year. I add that I also loved the piece The Quebec Assembly presented at the Théâtre La Bordée. I have a weakness for documentary theater, designed by Porte Parole, which brings together four people with divergent opinions around a meal to openly discuss subjects that divide and unite them. This piece specific to Quebec City offers a relevant reflection on social polarization, among other things.
Q A disappointment in 2024?
R Honestly, there are several. I am thinking of political leaders, of the decline in the rights of several strata of society and of already marginalized groups. But I could not ignore the lack of funding for culture. Despite the undeniable importance of culture for our communities and its impact on quality of life, it still remains difficult to mobilize the resources necessary to adequately support artists and organizations. This observation is worrying and calls for collective reflection to better promote culture in our societal priorities.
Q Your favorite holiday tradition?
R My favorite holiday tradition is spending as much time as possible with my daughter, my partner, my family and my friends. But what I particularly like is the full day of board games that I organize with my friends between Christmas and New Year’s Day. These moments remind me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such loving and precious people.
Q What do you wish for us collectively for 2025?
R For 2025, I wish us a tram, the (definitive) death of the third link project, and above all, something gentle — towards oneself and towards others. I also want better representation of the diversity of our society on our stages and screens, so that everyone can see themselves, recognize themselves and thrive in a culture that is more inclusive and representative of who we really are.
From December 23 to 31, discover Our personalities of the year 2024!
