What the Pop! pop up art exhibitions showcase fifty local artists

YES, a charitable non-profit that provides English-language resources, tools and strategies to improve employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across Quebec, will be hosting a series of pop-up art exhibitions and live music events in Montreal. After a difficult year where pandemic-related restrictions limited opportunities for in-person exhibits, select local artists are excited to once again showcase their work. Pop up art exhibits will be held downtown at Centre St. Jax on Saturday August 14th, 21st and 28th, and live musical performances will be held at Riverside in St. Henri Saturday, September 4th.

YES Entrepreneurship Director of Communications Kathy Slotsve recently told The Montrealer, “This is the first in-person series of events that we will be hosting since last summer, and we’re expecting a good attendance. We had 100 applications to participate, and we had to select just 50 participants, which speaks to the success of last year’s showcase.” Continuing, Kathy adds, For artists, it’s difficult to lose the inability to interact with the public – to speak with their customers.”

“There are no fees to participate, and it’s a good opportunity for artists to learn the business-side of being an artist. We have a person on staff at YES to guide artists through the grant process, which is important to them. Our mentor herself is an artist, and she’s able to help other artists how to navigate the different grant opportunities that are available.”

Live musical performances at Riverside (near McAuslan) on September 4

The events were created not only to give a platform to some of the province’s leading emerging artists, but also to coach the artists so they can better make a living doing what they love. The participating artists, selected by a jury of local leaders in the arts and business community, received training in key business skills like marketing and sales prior to the events.

These events are free and open to the public. Please note that social distancing and safety protocols will be respected.

Each of the pop-up exhibitions will be unique, featuring a diverse mix of artwork and performances selected by a jury of leading Quebec artists. Artwork and prints will be available for sale on site, with all proceeds going to the artists.

In order to continue the opportunity to exhibit following the event, a virtual gallery highlighting the artists and their work will be published after the event. For the full list of featured artists, please visit: https://yesmontreal.ca/meet-the-artists-of-what-the-pop/

For more information about YES, please visit www.yesmontreal.ca