Initiated by Patric Lacasse and Alexis Bellavance, VIVA! was founded in 2006 by six artist-run centres from Greater Montreal to support the production of events dedicated to the presentation and advancement of action art practices and knowledge. The organisation\u2019s energies are primarily focused on VIVA! Art Action, an international biennial that provides the public with a convivial context in which to encounter performance art in its most striking and avant-garde forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Action art is a discipline that includes\u2014but is not limited to\u2014performance, public intervention, relational projects, body art, happenings and furtive action. This rather \u201cundisciplined\u201d art form can be characterized by the essential\u2014though not always visible\u2014presence of the artist in a typically ephemeral artwork that unfolds in the \u201chere and now.\u201d Be it orchestrated or improvised, subtle or direct, action art is a thriving and sometimes provocative and uncomfortable aspect of contemporary visual arts culture. It encourages us to reflect on our bodies, behaviour, culture, and contemporary societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Michelle Lacombe (director)
larose s. larose (communications director)
Chris Lloyd (technical production)
Eduardo P\u00e9rez (technical production)
Fran\u00e7ois Fr\u00e9chette (production assistant)
Karina Arbalaez (kitchen production)
Laurie Magnan (kitchen production)
Pilar Escobar (kitchen production)
Alexander Dluzalt (kitchen production)
Geogina Vega (kitchen production)
Paul Litherland (photo documentation)
Nad\u00e8ge Grebmeier Forget (sponsorship coordinator)
House9 (art direction and graphic design)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
VIVA! supports artistic risk-taking and self-determination. However, we are also committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. This year, we are working with PLURI<\/a>, whose staff will be present during the evening programs to support you in case a performance brings up difficult emotions, or if someone’s behavior or language is making you uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n