Unprecedented Success for the 22nd Edition of Parle-moi d'amour Montréal

The very first virtual edition of the exhibition-auction Parle-moi d’amour Montréal, which took place via the platform macause.com from October 15th until the 29th, had an unprecedented success. Thanks to the online sale of 336 artworks from participants of Les Impatients workshops, renowned artists and donations from private collections, in addition to the generous support of family and corporate foundations, the event has raised the unprecedented sum of $ 300,000.

“I am so proud of this result and I am so grateful for everyone’s commitment to the cause of Les Impatients, which is speaks volumes about the power of artistic expression in the well-being of our communities. More than ever, mental health must be at the heart of our priorities and discussions. Thanks to the mobilisation of our partners, members of the honour committee and friends of Les Impatients, the dynamism of the team and reach of our efforts on social networks and in the media, this new formula has shown us that anything is possible when we come together around a common ambition,” declared Manon Gauthier, honorary chair of the event and executive director of the Jean Riopelle Foundation.

Since the implementation of health measures in March, those in charge of art workshops have maintained contact (by phone or virtually) with their participants. In order to prevent social isolation, stimulate creativity and add a touch of color during these challenging times, sets of art materials were delivered to them. As a result, more than 850 individuals with mental health issues continued to have access to creation workshops usually offered by the organisation in 17 locations across the province. In September, the workshops resumed, in accordance with the sanitary instructions issued by the public health.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen an upsurge in people struggling with mental health issues, among youth, within the work environment, as well as among the elderly. The subject of mental health is a priority now more than ever in our healthcare system. A society that cares about mental health and makes room for art is a healthier society,” observed Frédéric Palardy, the organisation’s general manager.

The new virtual formula made it possible to reach the Québec population across the province. More than 5 300 people visited the virtual exhibition! In other words, so many people have helped demystify mental health and promote the art of our participants.

The record amount raised this year will ensure the maintenance of the activities led by Les Impatients. The results also offer the hope of reducing waiting lists and developing new projects to provide therapeutic benefits to even more people.

Special thanks to 176 professional artists and donors who have offered artworks and deeply care about the cause of Les Impatients. A series of videos featuring these generous artists and donors can be viewed on the Vimeo page of Les Impatients. Many thanks as well to the spokespersons, James Hyndman and Krystie-Ann Caron, the patron artists, Mathieu Beauséjour and Dominique Blain, the honorary chair, Manon Gauthier and members of the honorary committee.

We would like to thank our valued partners:

As well as the following family foundations:

Alvin Segal Foundation, Audain Foundation , Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation and Pierre Lassonde Foundation.