Concept for 4.5 km art corridor to be chosen in the coming months

One year after its commitment to the business community at the Je vois Montréal event, National Bank is pleased to announce the composition of the selection committee for the National Bank Parcours Galerie. Spanning 4.5 km, this art corridor will be a focal point between the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and downtown Montreal.

In addition to John Zeppetelli, Director and Chief Curator of the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, the committee members will be Phyllis Lambert, architect and founder of the Canadian Centre for Architecture, Louise Déry, Quebec art curator and historian, and Stéphane La Rue, artist, as well as representatives from National Bank and the Fondation Sandra et Alain Bouchard.

Renowned artists Adad Hannah, Patrick Bernatchez and Alain Paiement have agreed to take part in the contest and will be given the opportunity to present their art concepts in more detail to the selection committee on December 15. Regardless of which project is ultimately selected, the National Bank Parcours Galerie will welcome visitors arriving at the Montreal airport and will then continue on the wall that serves as a noise barrier along Highway 20, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who drives by it.

'Montreal is a dynamic city with a reputation for innovation. And that is exactly what travellers will be able to see after touching down at the airport,' explained Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank. 'The Bank is proud to be launching this major project.'

Robert Poëti, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, noted that the government applauds this bold new initiative. 'By integrating art into public spaces, the National Bank Parcours Galerie will allow Montreal to further cement its reputation as a vibrant, creative city. The selected work will brighten the drive of the thousands who take this route between the airport and downtown Montreal, and shine a positive light on our city.'

The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal will be acting as artistic partner and guide throughout the project. 'I am pleased to be involved in this ambitious project that brings art out into the open for the public to enjoy,' stated John Zeppetelli. 'We are thrilled for all Montrealers and visitors to the city.'

Private partners have also indicated that they are interested in helping to make the National Bank Parcours Galerie a reality. For example, the Fondation Sandra et Alain Bouchard has confirmed its commitment as the project's patron.

Various steps have already been taken to ensure that the artwork is completed in time for the 375th anniversary of Montreal's founding in 2017. More specifically, a feasibility study was done last spring by the Credo advisory services firm, a number of concepts were evaluated by the production teams headed by Sid Lee in cooperation with the Quebec ministry of transport, and the artist selection committee was formed.

Partners of the National Bank Parcours Galerie
National Bank would like to acknowledge the involvement and support of the following partners: Robert Poëti, Quebec Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal, the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, Aéroports de Montréal, Google and the Fondation Sandra et Alain Bouchard.

For more information:facebook.com/parcoursgalerie

About National Bank of Canada
 With $216 billion in assets as at July 31, 2015, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has more than 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Information (The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.) :

Jean-François Lauzon
Advisor - Public Affairs
National Bank
Tel.: 514-394-6097

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