On September 25, the Bal will feature a silent auction open to the public, as well as an interactive installation by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Bal du MAC is just around the corner. On Friday, September 25, the Fondation du Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (Fondation du MAC) will bring together the business community, the philanthropic sector, and contemporary art enthusiasts at La Nesra for one of Montreal's must-attend events of the fall season.

Under the theme L'éclat d'un soir, this year's event will celebrate the light and intensity of contemporary art, as well as the place it holds in our lives. As the Fondation du MAC's flagship event, the Ball raises over one million dollars annually for the Museum. This year, the Bal du MAC is co-chaired by Marc Barbeau, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Air Canada, Guy Côté, Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Guy Côté, Family Wealth Management Team and Roger T. Duguay, Managing Partner, Leader in the Canadian recruitment practice for CEOs, Boyden.

The Art of Creating a Memorable Evening

The Bal du MAC will kick off with a red carpet reception and a cocktail, followed by a gourmet dinner concocted by Brera Catering, and will continue on the dance floor with music curated by Christian Pronovost.

Guests will also have the opportunity to experience an audio-reactive visual environment by internationally renowned artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, created to complement the evening's festive atmosphere. Presented at prestigious international events, this immersive work has also been adapted for fundraising events benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The culinary experience will be complemented by a caviar tasting provided by Oysters & Caviar and an espresso martini bar by Café Liégeois. Guests will also be able to enjoy a skin analysis station provided by Dermapure as well as a beauty touch-up station by Maison Jacynthe. A photo studio, set up by the team at Shoot Studio, will allow them to take home a memento of the evening.

Guests will also have the chance to win prizes at the night's raffle, courtesy of Air Canada, Bixlers, Montblanc - Montréal Centre-Ville, Paoletti Guitars, and ROYALMOUNT.

The world of L'éclat d'un soir comes to life thanks to the brand identity and design by maubau, the photography by Shoot Studio, and the production, art direction, and set design by LaBoum.

The Return of the Silent Auction

Le Bal will also mark the return of its silent auction, featuring works by eight artists: Arta Ajeti, Élise Lafontaine, Geneviève Cadieux, Jeanie Riddle, Nicolas Lachance, Pardiss Amerian, Suzy Lake, and Wanda Koop. Curated by Erika Del Vecchio, the auction will open to the public online via the MaCause platform on September 15, with bidding continuing until 11:30 p.m. on the evening of the event.

A Vital Evening for the MAC's Collection

The funds raised at the Ball will directly contribute to the enrichment, accessibility, and preservation of the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal's collection. In particular, these funds will enable the MAC to acquire new works, make its collection accessible to as many people as possible through MACrépertoire and various public art initiatives, and restore and preserve nearly 8,000 works for future generations. This support also contributes to the recognition and promotion of local artists.

"The Bal du MAC is a unique opportunity to bring our community together around contemporary art and support the Museum's collection. At this pivotal moment for the MAC and its Foundation, the support of the business and philanthropic communities reflects a strong commitment to our mission and its future. Together, we are preparing for a defining moment for Montréal: the MAC's return to Place des Arts in 2028," said Catherine Julien, Executive Director of the Fondation du MAC.

Practical Information
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: Starting at 6:00 p.m.
Location: La Nesra, 2020 William Street, Montreal
For more information:
https://macm.org/en/activities/bal-du-mac-2026/

About the Fondation du MAC

The mission of the Fondation du Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal is to support the Museum across all areas of its activity, including the expansion of its collection, the production of exhibitions, outreach, and educational programming. To fulfill this role, the Foundation raises funds from businesses, philanthropic foundations, and individuals who are committed to the promotion and preservation of contemporary art from Québec, Canada, and beyond. The Foundation also plays a key role in financing the MAC's major transformation project, in anticipation of its reopening in 2028. Through these efforts, it contributes to the continued growth and influence of Canada's first major institution devoted exclusively to contemporary art: the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal.
macm.org/fondation/

SOURCE Fondation du MAC