Montréal will have its own honourary order and launches a call for proposals for the creation of a distinctive medal

Montréal, November 27, 2015 – The Mayor of Montréal, Denis Coderre, announced today the creation of a honourary order which will recognize and honour the men and women who contribute substantially to the development and reputation of Montréal. As a noble and prestigious award, the Order of Montréal will constitute the highest distinction in Montréal. To decorate the recipients with dignity, Montréal is calling on professional Québec designers and artisans to submit proposals for the creation of a distinctive insignia.

“Montréal is a unique metropolis, an extraordinary city of which I am very proud! I wish to share this pride with Montrealers who contribute to its reputation on a daily basis. This is why I wish to introduce the Order of Montréal with a distinctive medal for the recipients to wear proudly. It is a legacy that I wish to offer Montrealers for the city’s 375th anniversary and a tradition that will perpetuate,” said Mayor Coderre.

The Order of Montréal will replace the Academy of Great Montrealers, which was introduced several years ago by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, which recognizes four Montréal personalities each year. The last edition of this award dates back to 2014 and no honours will be awarded in 2015. Mayor Coderre has made a commitment to honour the members of the Academy at the first official ceremony of the Order of Montréal.

“The Academy of Great Montrealers has paid tribute to 132 personalities who have marked the history of Montréal in the cultural, scientific, economic and social fields since 1978. The Board of Trade has had the great honour of serving the city by celebrating each year these great builders who have contributed to the prestige and reputation of Montréal. Mayor Coderre’s decision to give Montréal a new distinctive honour marks a continuity and will fully reward the exceptional contribution of Great Montrealers, present and future,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.

Launch of a call for proposals aimed at Québec professional designers and artisans
Montréal’s Bureau du design is launching a call for proposals to produce a medal with a distinctive character and highlight the creative talent and know-how of local designers and artisans.

“This medal reflects our local talent and will prove, once again, that Montréal truly is a UNESCO City of Design. It must be in the image of a modern, creative and open city, a city that values its rich, inclusive and multicultural history. This medal will withstand the test of time and mark history. It must be as exceptional as the personalities who will be honoured,” said Mayor Coderre.

Call for proposals
Applicants have until February 4, 2016, to submit their proposals. Three prizes will be awarded in February 2016 among a maximum of 10 finalists that will be selected by a committee of experts. The first prize (the winner) will be awarded a contract valued at $21,700, to complete the design and manufacturing of a prototype. The second winner will receive $3,000 and the third winner $2,000. The unveiling of the winning medal prototype by Mayor Coderre is scheduled for May 2016.

The selection committee will be made up of the following members:

• Diane Charbonneau, curator of Modern and Contemporary Decorative Arts, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts;
• Émilie F. Grenier, narrative experience designer, winner of the Phyllis-Lambert Design Montréal Grant;
• Noël Guyomarc’h, director, Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h; 
• Ana Masut, managing director, ico-D International Council of Design;
• Suzanne Savage, executive president and CEO, McCord Museum;
• Koen de Winter, designer, professor, École de design, UQAM, president, Commission des métiers d’art visuels, Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC);
• One city representative.

For more information on the call for proposals, please visit designmontreal.com. The various elements of the Order of Montréal and conditions for awarding of the prizes will be made public over the next few months.

The Mayor’s call for proposals is available at the following address: http://bit.ly/1LekA8U

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