New Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre (AMACC) Expands Support for the Arts

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On Thursday, September 14, 2023, the Azrieli Foundation announced the launch of the Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre (AMACC). The Centre aims to support and promote artistic excellence in Canada by combining the Foundation’s grant-making division, sectoral collaborations, strategic initiatives, and the Azrieli Music Prizes under one umbrella. AMACC will operate out of the Foundation’s main headquarters.

In the words of soprano, board member of the Azrieli Foundation, and Chair of the AMACC Advisory Council, Dr. Sharon Azrieli, the Foundation hopes “to create an impact that is greater than the sum of its parts, ensuring […] Canadians of all ages enjoy a deeper relationship with the arts.”

Held at the Sofitel Hotel in downtown Montreal, the launch was hosted by Dr. Azrieli, Kelly Rice, and Jason van Eyk, the Centre’s inaugural manager. Local and national arts patrons, entrepreneurs, cultural directors, as well as promoters of Indigenous arts, freelance musicians, McGill University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and the Faculty Deans from both the University of Montreal Music Faculty and Schulich School of Music, were in attendance.

Azrieli Foundation announcement event at Sofitel, Montreal : Septembre,14th,2023 : : images by Danylo Bobyk Studios : : https://www.danylobobyk.com : : http://www.instagram.com/danylobobyk

van Eyk and Rice opened the event by noting the Azrieli Foundation’s profound faith in music and the arts as tools for developing creativity, understanding of the world, and enhancing quality of life. Rice and van Eyk described their power and potential beyond the concert stage, as agents of social change and cultural exchange. Rice noted the Foundation’s goal: to “discover, elevate and amplify creative voices,” and the ways its various granting programs, including the Azrieli Music Prizes, and initiatives such as the Sistema Canada Network, work to this end.

Dr. Azrieli stressed that the Foundation recognizes that the needs of the arts and culture sectors are greater than ever. Determined to meet these needs, the Foundation sees AMACC as “a catalyst, key funder and strategic partner of choice in creating a resilient, impactful and connected arts sector where everyone can develop a deeper relationship to the arts.” While its reach promises to be broad, it should be noted that the AMACC will not support building projects (such as construction of new concert halls or cultural centres), and that while applications are by invitation only, interested parties are encouraged to contact AMACC for information on their programs.

Azrieli Foundation announcement event at Sofitel, Montreal : Septembre,14th,2023 : : images by Danylo Bobyk Studios : : https://www.danylobobyk.com : : http://www.instagram.com/danylobobyk

Following the presentation, during a Q&A period, the hosts expanded on the Foundation’s mission: to educate and strengthen Canadian artistic ecosystems and cultural networks, to continue building partnerships with the health and accessibility sectors, and to assist their grant recipients as they encounter issues and opportunities related to modern technologies.

The AMACC marks a new chapter for the Azrieli Foundation, and will strengthen the organisation’s existing arts, music, and culture programs. This new chapter reasserts the Foundation’s vision and mission statement and hopes to increase its already prominent philanthropic presence in Canada.