A new cultural center for Black communities across Canada is set to open in Montreal, prompting a mix of emotions including laughter and tears. Montreal city councillor Ericka Alneus described the announcement as historic, emphasizing the importance of having a space where Afro-Canadians can share their stories through arts and culture. The centre, to be named Montreal’s Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (MACC), is expected to be the largest in the country dedicated to Afro-Canadian history and culture, with some comparing it to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in the United States.
The MACC will be housed in the former School of Fine Arts building on Saint-Urbain Street near Sherbrooke Street, with plans for performing and visual arts spaces, a museum, and a library. Renovation and expansion work is needed to convert the 45,000 square feet space, with a total cost of $32 million, $16 million of which was provided by the Canadian government. Environment and climate change minister Steven Guilbeault expressed the government’s support for the initiative, which was launched by members of the board and the community three years ago. Allen Alexandre, founding executive director of MACC, highlighted the need for a space that tells the story of the Black community in a city with the highest concentration of Black Canadians in the country.
Alexandre shared that he had a dream of establishing a center like MACC in Canada and believed Montreal would be the ideal location. He pointed out that it was time for Black Canadians to tell their own story, especially in light of the collective awakening sparked by the death of George Floyd. The initiative aims to ensure that the stories of Black communities are represented and told in a just way, reflecting the current mindset in the broader community. Alexandre also mentioned plans to collaborate with other Black community organizations across the country for programming at the center, which is scheduled to open in 2026.
Overall, the establishment of Montreal’s Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre is seen as a significant milestone for Black communities in Canada, providing a platform for sharing their stories and culture through various forms of arts. The project has garnered support from government officials as well as community members, signaling a positive shift towards recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Afro-Canadians to Canadian history and culture. With plans for extensive renovations and programming, the center aims to empower and educate visitors while promoting diversity and inclusion. The announcement of MACC marks a step forward in promoting cultural diversity and representation in Canadian society.
