daphne: A space to discover Indigenous art and culture
daphne is Tiohtá:ke’s (the Kanien’kéha word for Montréal) first-ever Indigenous artist-run centre. It is an inviting space to explore contemporary Indigenous art that encourages meaningful exchange between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Co-founded by four acclaimed Anishnaabe and Kanien’kehá:ka artists Skawennati, Hannah Claus, Nadia Myre and Caroline Monnet, the centre is committed to highlighting the work of emerging, mid-career and established Indigenous artists through exhibitions, workshops, residencies and curatorial initiatives.
"A lot of what we wanted to do and which we are continuing to create and move forward with is bringing people together and being able to have a space where people feel comfortable in,” said Executive Director Lori Beavis.
It was called daphne after Daphne Odjig, the late Odawa-Potawatomi artist.
“We purposely chose a storefront because we wanted people to feel comfortable about coming in - Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Because it can be slightly intimidating to walk into a gallery space,” she said.
The programming for the first year celebrated four solo exhibitions from Indigenous artists across Quebec, including Teharihulen Michel Savard from Wendake and Innu artist Sonia Robertson.
daphne has a remarkable series of interactive and immersive exhibitions, allowing the public to delve into the world of the First Nations, discovering their history, knowledge and culture.
The daphne recently opened a new space at 5425 avenue Casgrain.
Marisela Amador
Marisela Amador is a reporter who works in the Kanien’kehá:ka community of Kahnawà:ke. When she’s not reporting the news, she is out and about in her favourite city in the world, Montréal. Of Latin-American descent, she enjoys good food and drinks, art and culture and spending time with friends.