UNIR art program
The UNIR public art program is inspired by a melding of the art, the people and the neighbourhoods served by the REM. Throughout the network, users will share space with a strategically placed permanent artwork collection and temporary art installations created in collaboration with four Montréal universities.
The installations spotlight areas through which the REM runs and rely on diverse artistic experiences. They call for Québec’s most innovative public art practices.
Permanent installations – Valued at: $7.3 M
These installations are partly funded by the budget set out in the Politique d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement des bâtiments et des sites gouvernementaux et publics (Policy for integrating art into the architecture and environment of government and public buildings and sites). This policy has been in place since 1961 and allocates approximately 1% of the construction or development budget of a public project to artwork, adding up to $4.3 M for the REM. CDPQ Infra provided $3 M in additional cultural legacies to enhance the program and support public art.
“Through this collection, the REM is making public art a core component of its identity, both locally and internationally, while making it a destination in its own right. This program will shine a light on local talent and encourage the next generation of artists. We’re providing an additional contribution to support artists through what is a particularly difficult time for them.”
Explore the permanent installations
One of the REM art program’s innovative features is the inclusion of temporary artwork in the process.
The temporary artwork program was born from a strong vision: allowing for the unique collaboration of four Montréal universities, connecting people to a variety of destinations.
Temporary installations – Valued at: $500,000
These installations are also partly funded by the budget set out in the Politique d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement des bâtiments et des sites gouvernementaux et publics (Policy for integrating art into the architecture and environment of government and public buildings and sites).
Universities involved
The temporary art installations are created in partnership with the Université du Québec à Montréal, the Université de Montréal, McGill University and Concordia University, as part of a multidisciplinary course designed specifically for the REM. The course aims to train the next generation of public artists while addressing multiple perspectives on current issues.
