Studio 303

Studio 303 began operations in 1989 when three choreographers created a communal space where dancers could train, rehearse and perform. By day a dance studio, the space was transformed once a month to informally present new works within the Vernissage-danse series. In 1994, Miriam Ginestier and Paul Caskey took over as Co-Artistic Directors, and un... der their direction new recurring events expanded the organisation's interdisciplinary profile such as popular fundraising cabarets, Bruits du Noir, Edgy Women, the Home Show, and projet/projo. From 1996 to 2005, Studio 303 also housed Gallery 303 (often voted Montreal's best gallery by Montreal Mirror readers), and for three years co-presented FA3 - an international performance art festival. Studio 303 created a residency program for emerging artists (1999), expanded the Edgy Women event into a festival (2005), and instigated several artist exchange initiatives. Since 2005, Miriam Ginestier has been the sole artistic director. In 2009, Studio 303 celebrated its 20th anniversary with VINGT, a choreographic "exquisite corpse" presented at Place des Arts. Studio 303 created SPARK in 2010: an intimate arts showcase and exchange between Montréal artists and international presenters. The Edgy Women Festival celebrated its 20th and final edition in 2013 in situ at a local boxing club, inspiring artists and audiences with its sports/art/gender theme. In 2013, Studio 303 lost its Canadian Heritage funding after 12 years of consistent support. To accommodate this loss, the organization has downsized its presenting activities and refocused its energy on its roots as an artist-run professional development and creation centre.Read More