One can trace an African presence in the neighbourhood as of 1934, the year the White Fathers move onto Saint-Hubert Street. The Afrika Montréal exhibition recounts this long 80 year history and highlights African culture and heritage. Commemoration, archives, photographs and works of art will be prominently featured. A program of artistic and cultural activities will enrich the exhibition.

 

 

 

 

A triple anniversary

The year 2014 marks the 10^th anniversary of African Days. This festive event brings different African communities closer to one another, as well as to the population of Montreal as a whole. The Centre Afrika is at the root of African Days and celebrates its 25^th anniversary. It is a resource and welcome centre open to all African communities, a unique organization in the neighbourhood’s community landscape. However, this African presence in Montreal dates all the way back to 1934. The arrival of the Society of Missionaries of Africa at the house on Saint-Hubert Street marks the beginning of a charitable endeavour that – for 80 years – has been inspiring us to know and love Africa.

 

 

 

Africa in Montréal

Combining history and art, this vibrant and colourful exhibition offers a chance to be immersed in the heart of Africa! Afrika Montréal traces the beginnings of a mission dedicated to the African continent, a land of untold mystery at the start of the 20th century. Among other things, you’ll see old photographs depicting missions from this period. You’ll notice the white Algerian tunics that members of the Society of Missionaries of Africa wear, from which they get their nickname the “White Fathers.” Archival documents are also exhibited, such as the reproduction of an 1881 map representing Africa without its present borders. You can likewise admire numerous works of African art. Ebony sculptures created by the Makonde punctuate the exhibition and bear witness to universal values. In moving through the exhibition, you’ll observe the transformations that have marked both Montreal and Africa over the years. Today, the African presence in Montreal manifests itself in many ways. It is a culture radiating through festivals and artistic events.

 

 

An exhibition from September 18, 2014 to February 1, 2015

 

Activities (only in French)

• Table ronde – Murmures des âges : 80 ans de cheminement avec l’Afrique, au cœur de Montréal
• Visite et circuit – Afrika Montréal : 80 ans de présence africaine dans le Centre-Sud
• Atelier interactif – Relations entre percussions et danses africaines dans un contexte traditionnel et moderne
• Contes et chants – Un voyage au cœur de l’oralité africaine

 

 

Life Cycle, Makonde sculpture, Society of Missionaries of Africa collection