MCML envisions a music community…

1. That encourages experimentation and creative freedom;

2. Is rooted in a strong sense of community, mutual aid and solidarity;

3. Wherein everyone can feel welcome and where the heterogeneity of artistic profiles and practices is considered a richness;

4. Which recognizes the systems of oppression created and maintained historically and to this day by our institutions afflicting the members of our community and having a direct impact on its constitution;

5. That takes active measures to combat the discrimination and inequalities created by these systems (racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, classism, ableism, ageism, etc.) within our community.

MCML's mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for community development, collaboration and creativity. MCML's mission is founded on four main pillars:

Connect

• Bring together members of the local, national and international arts communities during the event

• Provide networking opportunities at meals and events

• Value collaboration and exchange of experiences in the creation of works

Empower

• Provide a space for participants to realize their full potential. Foster awareness of the impact of their art and presence in the community through collaboration and creation

• Offer the opportunity for participants to present their creations during the participants' concerts and the final concerts that close the lab

Promote our Values

• Actively seek solutions to make MCML more inclusive, safe, and as affordable as possible

• Provide a safe space for participants to express their realities inside and outside of the arts, including, but not limited to, the roundtable discussion

• Choose business partners that are aligned with our values as much as possible*

• Take a public stance on issues impacting members of our community

*L'intermission catering: an eco-responsible catering service that promotes the consumption of local products and has a paid training program to help unemployed women who have difficulty entering the job market.

Community

The MCML aims to provide a space for the development of its community and the creation of lasting professional, artistic and personal ties between participants. The programming of various conferences and activities is designed to build bridges between participants, established guest artists from the Montreal contemporary/experimental art scene and the professional world, outside of traditional institutions.

Experimentation

The MCML is a place to try out new ideas, and where risk-taking is welcome. The creative process is highl´y valued and as such the result is not seen as the end. Participants are encouraged to broaden their artistic practice and to move outside of their comfort zone.

Collaboration

The MCML places great importance on the collaborative process. The equitable distribution of creative power among the members of a group is a key element of collaboration at the MCML, whose goal is to involve each participant in the creative process, thus fostering a shared sense of shared agency over the works.

Inclusivity

MCML aims to create an inclusive event that welcomes any musician/artist who feels an affinity with our values and mission, regardless of their artistic education, culture, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, or personal abilities. MCML values the richness that diversity brings to the community.

Accessibility

MCML keeps its participation fees to a minimum in order to be as affordable as possible. The organizing team works entirely on a volunteer basis, and most of the luncheon meals during the event are included free of charge. If you have any comments, concerns or suggestions regarding the accessibility of the Lab, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Anti-oppression

The MCML is an organization that recognizes the systems of oppression and patterns of discrimination that exist in the music world. The MCML also recognizes the difficulties of navigating and evolving within this system, particularly as a member of a discriminated/marginalized group.

LMCM stands in solidarity with human rights movements, including those for/with the following people and campaigns:

• Anti-racist;

• Indigenous;

• LGBTQIA2S+;

• Feminists;

• For the inclusion of people of neurodiversity;

• For the inclusion of people with a disability, impairment or limitation.

At MCML… 

MCML does not tolerate any form of discrimination from its organizational team or its participants. The jury responsible for selecting MCML participants takes into consideration the systemic barriers that candidates may have encountered during their journey. The committee in charge of selecting the guest artists aims to include artists from the diversity of the Montreal scene, and is committed to maintaining gender parity in its choice of guest artists throughout each edition.

Bilingualism

Montreal is a bilingual city where both French- and English-speaking communities live and work. MCML participants always have the freedom to express themselves and the right to be understood in either language. It is recommended that non-French speaking participants learn the courtesy words in French for their time exploring the metropolis.

Note: Given the international scope of MCML and the fact that many participants do not speak French and sometimes speak English as a second language, rehearsal group discussions and group activities will likely be conducted in English. Participants can always ask for help from the organizational team if the communication barriers are too great.

MCML is not perfect. Our goal is to continue to grow and learn. If you see any inconsistencies in what we say, or think we can change for the better, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at labomontreal@gmail.com.