The unveiling of the artistic installation Celestia took place this morning at Place Jean-Béliveau. The work is the result of a collaboration of the four Canadian cities that are members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Made up of seven structures of different colors and shapes, Celestia invites the public to immerse themselves in a unique world of sound and light. Its composition recalls the myth of the Pleiades. Combining several forms of artistic expression, the work is the result of the work of creators from four cities. Each of them being recognized for a particular artistic field. Quebec, for literature, Montreal, design, London, music and Toronto, digital arts.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network includes four cities in Canada, but more than 350 internationally. Each of them cooperate in the development of projects that support the development of the cultural industry. Quebec City has been a member of the network since 2017.
The installation is being presented in Quebec City until December 15. It will then travel to Toronto, London and Montreal to the entertainment district next winter. The work will then continue to travel to other Canadian cities and around the world.
A collaborative project
“As with any work passing through Expocité, Celestia will certainly bring a new experience to the citizens of Quebec through the singularity of its concept which will reach young and old,” declared Ms. Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc, president of the ExpoCité commission and member of the executive committee.
For Dominique Lemieux, director of the Canadian Institute of Quebec and UNESCO City of Literature referent for Quebec City, Celestia represents the culmination of a unifying collective vision. He also highlights, at the time of the unveiling of the work, the contribution of the storyteller and author Yolande Okia Picard and the poet Carolanne Foucher, both from Quebec City.
It was the Montreal studio Kleis, specializing in the world of entertainment, events and outdoor arrangements, which coordinated the creation of the work. The latter arises from a call for projects for a participatory installation intended for the public, launched by the four participating cities a little over a year ago. QDSinternational is responsible for distribution.
“It’s a project that reveals all the symbolism of UNESCO, the capacity we have to work together and create something that resembles us […] », Estimates Guillaume Aniorté, general director of the Quartier des spectacles international and UNESCO City of Design referent for the City of Montreal.
the Installation is accessible every dayrs from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is located on the edge of the Grand Marché de Québec.
