STM launches a competition for a work of art for Vendôme station

Press release

STM is announcing the launch of a public competition for the creation of a work of art to be installed in the Montréal métro, specifically at Vendôme station.

Montréal, September 14, 2017 – STM is announcing the launch of a public competition for the creation of a work of art to be installed in the Montréal métro, specifically at Vendôme station. The competition is held as part of the construction of a second entrance to the station, as well as the opening of a pedestrian corridor connecting Vendôme train station to McGill University Health Centre’s Glen site. The project is fully funded by the Ministry of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transportation Electrification, and in line with the government’s 1% policy (Politique d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement des bâtiments et des sites gouvernementaux et publics) for integrating artwork in government and public buildings.

Professional artists in Québec are invited to submit their proposal before October 30, 2017 at noon. The winning submission will be revealed in April 2018, with the artwork’s installation taking place in 2019. Competition program and rules are available as an attachment.

In carrying out this project, STM enjoys the support of the MUHC, the Réseau de transport métropolitain (RTM) and the City of Montréal’s public art bureau, reputed for its considerable expertise in the matter. STM also solicited the collaboration several influent public figures in the local visual arts scene to compose a jury who will first choose four finalists before selecting a winning proposal.

Vendôme station

Opened in 1981, Vendôme station was designed by the firm of architects Desnoyers, Mercure, Leziy, Gagnon, Sheppard et Gélinas. An underground pedestrian corridor was built, connecting the new hospital’s esplanade to the station’s existing entrance, but the latter space was too tight to add elevators and handle the increase in people passing through. Consequently, STM made plans to build a second, fully accessible entrance to the station, featuring an accessible, underground pedestrian corridor leading to Vendôme commuter train station and the MUHC.

The new entryway attempts to be as transparent as possible. Designing the outer shell as a glass curtain wall expresses a desire to bring the light inside the structure and open up the usually closed in space to the outside. The new work of art will be set in three locations in the station: the section of entryway belonging to STM, another section belonging to RTM and the tunnel leading to the MUHC.

During construction of the métro’s initial network, leading up to the 1967 World Fair, Expo 67, and later, with each métro expansion, officials in Montréal were inspired to include works of art in the majority of stations. STM’s impressive art collection is featured throughout the network and currently consists of more than 85 creations by Québec artists.

Competition program and rules (in French only)

Images of the new entryway

        

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Source : Benoît Clairoux
Conseiller – Affaires publiques
514 350.0800, poste 87198
benoit.clairoux@stm.info