The Montreal Segal Centre recently opened its doors to a long list of patrons and guests, many of who were established young professionals.
Considered the second largest multilingual performing arts centre in Canada, the Segal Centre is a meeting place for all cultures and disciplines that include theatre, music, dance, cinema, and an academy for performing arts. It offers a diverse line up of productions and workshops for artists of all ages and nationalities. Complete with state of the art, modern facilities and technology, it distinguishes itself as a first-class public venue, focusing on artistic excellence within an energetic space.
The main black-tie event at 6:30pm, Diamonds and Champagne, included a short production consisting of the Centre’s best work. The Director of the Performing Arts Academy Lee Haberkorn, and 13-year-old Jamie Mayers, star of Lies My Father Told Me, the Centre’s best selling production to date, hosted Diamonds and Champagne. Guests enjoyed musical theatre, comedy, and modern dance performances by homegrown artists supported by the Segal Centre in many ways. Funds were raised in support of the organization’s programming efforts to enable the artistic development of Montreal’s youth and the perpetuation of its cultural legacy.
After Diamonds and Champagne, guests were encouraged to attend Bling and Bubbly, the official after party hosted by the Segal Centre’s Young Leaders and presented by Notable.ca. Young Professionals mingled lounge-style with artists, designers, actors, lighting technicians, and makeup specialists from past seasons while enjoying a lively DJ mix, flowing glasses of champagne, and delectable desserts. According to Segal Centre officials, the overall night was a tremendous success: a heartwarming convocation of young professionals, artists, and youth performers alike, all together under one roof for a single cause.
Notable.ca was able to run through the night with Jonathan Moyal, the Segal Centre’s Director of Development. Jonathan is in charge of fundraising, fostering strong relationships with current donors and developing new funding opportunities. Currently operating on a unique funding structure, the Centre receives minimal public funding and almost 40 per cent from individual, foundational, and corporate support. Jonathan shared with us just how spectacular the event was, and how important it is for young professionals to become involved with artistic and cultural scenes.
Can you give us a brief run down of Diamonds and Champagne followed by Bling and Bubbly?
The event was a huge success in terms of good will and utilization of the Segal Centre. Diamonds and Champagne was a premiere donor event, really showing support from friends and supporters. It is not easy times economically, and the arts are usually first to suffer some blows. The fact that so many people came out was truly amazing.
Why do you think it is important for young professionals to expose themselves to such a unique facility? What can it lend to their careers?
Young professionals are the arts’ easiest entry into the support of the business community. Today’s YPs are attuned to culture and its importance in society, therefore being able to encourage their respective corporate environments in supporting us when the government isn’t necessarily doing so. In turn, they can contribute personally to the development of a sustainable business model in the arts by getting involved and lending their expertise. Moreover, the networks that are reached through our events are unique and refreshing, given that the artistically inclined crowd tends to be a little bit more eclectic and interesting than average.
Would you put on an event like this again?
Absolutely. We have every intention to build on it. We are currently in a full transition where things are constantly changing, and it is exciting to see so many young professionals on board with our efforts. They are truly the heart of our organization, as they are the ones who will only help us grown into a more recognizable and impactful institution. The difference between arts and entertainment is that entertainment today serves one purpose: to consume. The arts’ foundation rests upon the ability to connect and maintain a relationship with an audience. It is important for young, thriving people in the industry to recognize this and perpetuate it to friends, coworkers, and the public through their unique organizations. The Segal Centre and events like Diamonds and Champagne that thrive to support it continues way beyond what happens within our walls.