Signing of an innovative partnership between QDSi, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, and Plaine Commune

 

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

 

Signing of an Innovative Partnership between QDSi, the Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles, and Plaine Commune to Promote Cultural and Creative Industries and Public Art

 

In Montréal and Saint-Denis, June 10, 2025 — The Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles, Quartier des spectacles international, and Plaine Commune are embarking on a bold new partnership dedicated to the development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and the promotion of public art.

In response to the social, urban, and environmental challenges facing the cities of Plaine Commune, the territorial public institution — which has made culture and creativity the foundation of its urban development and attractiveness strategy — aims to foster new approaches through collaborations with international partners addressing similar issues of urban transformation and cultural vibrancy.

It is with this spirit that Montréal’s Quartier des spectacles, known for its role as a cultural catalyst in the heart of the city and for its ability to animate public spaces through immersive, participatory installations, and Plaine Commune have decided to forge a strategic cooperation. This partnership is rooted in sharing expertise and networks, experimenting with joint artistic initiatives, and developing programs that drive urban innovation.

This collaboration is built on a shared vision: that cultural and creative industries are powerful drivers of sustainable urban transformation, territorial attractiveness, and social inclusion. Plaine Commune is home to 11,900 CCI-related jobs at the gates of Paris, making it a key hub in the metropolitan landscape. For over 20 years, the Quartier des spectacles has been the cultural heart of Montréal and Québec — a major showcase for public space technological and artistic innovation. At the crossroads of design, digital arts, immersive in-situ practices, and creative production, both partners seek to activate projects that encourage public appropriation of urban spaces, strengthen social ties, and welcome new audiences.

The partners have committed to combining their strengths and expertise to deliver on these shared ambitions and contribute to social, cultural, and economic development in both territories by driving innovation and CCI growth through:

• Hosting and producing public art installations and projects from the cultural and creative ecosystems of each region, including the development of collaborative initiatives to exchange best practices and test new approaches for public space activation.

• Sharing expertise and operational experience in the management and programming of public spaces, with cross-participation in professional meetings and knowledge exchanges.

• Creating connections between the cultural and creative ecosystems of both regions to accelerate networking opportunities and the development of collaborative projects.

This partnership reflects a shared ambition to place culture, creativity, and innovation at the heart of urban transformation — fostering more inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic cities, and contributing to the economic development and international influence of both territories’ creative sectors.

QUOTES

“This joint initiative illustrates the strength of collaboration between partners committed to advancing cultural innovation. Beyond the public’s enthusiastic response to installations in public spaces, it’s the tangible impact on creative industries and artists that gives this partnership its true value. Through the sharing of our expertise, we are also enriching the cultural, social, and economic vitality of our cities.”
– Monique Simard, Chair of the Boards of Directors of the Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles and Quartier des spectacles international

“This partnership reflects our belief that culture and creativity are essential drivers of urban transformation. By joining forces with Montréal’s Quartier des spectacles, we affirm our desire to build a more inclusive, dynamic, and vibrant region — where public art serves as a lever for attractiveness, innovation, and social connection.”
– Mathieu Hanotin, President of Plaine Commune and Mayor of Saint-Denis

ABOUT PLAINE COMMUNE

Located north of Paris, Plaine Commune unites eight municipalities, including Saint-Denis — the largest city in Île-de-France after Paris — with a population of 450,000. A true creative hub, the territory is home to 11,900 CCI-related jobs, making it a leading player in the metropolitan area.

On the verge of major urban transformations — with 5 million square meters of new urban projects by 2030 and the upcoming Saint-Denis Pleyel transportation hub connected to metro lines 14, 15, 16, 17 and RER D (250,000 daily travelers) — Plaine Commune is reinventing itself through culture and strengthening its position as a popular, creative, international urban destination. Its unique urban-cultural strategy combines culture, urban planning, and citizen participation: 45 projects combining art and urban initiatives are underway, and 74 permanent public artworks already enrich the territory, including the Street Art Avenue — the longest open-air urban art trail in Europe (5 km).

Key features of the territory include:

• 250 cultural venues, including many third places, artist studios, and creative hubs

• A quarter of Greater Paris’ cultural third places

• Landmark sites such as the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the Stade de France, and the famous Saint-Ouen Flea Market, which welcomes up to 5 million visitors a year

• A Territorial CCI Hub (PTICC) dedicated to arts and crafts, supported by Plaine Commune

More information: www.plainecommune.fr

ABOUT THE PARTENARIAT DU QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES

The cultural heart of Montréal, the Quartier des spectacles features the highest concentration and diversity of cultural venues in North America. Nearly 80 performance and creation spaces, along with 50 annual festivals, keep this 1 km² district vibrant year-round. It is also renowned for its innovative urban installations and leadership in digital creativity and lighting design. The Quartier des spectacles positions Montréal as an international benchmark and a must-see cultural and tourist destination.

Founded in 2003, the Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles is a non-profit organization made up of more than 85 active members on its territory. It oversees cultural programming, public space management, urban lighting, and the promotion of the Quartier as a premier cultural destination. The organization benefits from the support of the City of Montréal.

More information: quartierdesspectacles.com

ABOUT QDSINTERNATIONAL

Quartier des spectacles international is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles. It creates, co-produces, and tours immersive, participatory public art installations around the world, in collaboration with artists, cultural institutions, and cities invested in urban innovation.

More information: qdsinternational.com

 

– 30 –

 

PHOTOS
Download Visuals
Please include photo credits.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Félix Grand
Public relations
Plaine Commune
Felix.grand@plainecommune.fr
+33 07 76 62 40 56

Marie Lamoureux
Communications and Public Relations
Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles
Marie.lamoureux@quartierdesspectacles.com
C. : 514.923-6772

Marius Gellner
Marketing and distribution coordinator
Quartier des spectacles international
mgellner@qdsinternational.com
C. : 438.506-9093

 

SOURCES

Félix Grand
Public relations
Plaine Commune
Felix.grand@plainecommune.fr