Public art is no longer a domain reserved to public institutions. More and more corporations, such as Ivanhoe Cambridge, are becoming sponsors in this artistic field with the objective of investing in the community and enhancing the architectural heritage through contemporary creation.
This case study will present Place Ville-Marie's collaboration with artist Nicolas Baier and Ivanhoe Cambridge. The presence of both Marie-Justine Snider, curator of the Ivanhoe Cambridge collection, and Christine Babkine, director, corporate social responsability, will open the discussion on business art relations and public art in general. The discussion will then focus on the specificities of the Place Ville-Marie project, both on the artist's side, the interest of the organization and the relationship with the daily public of the place.
The conference will be moderated by Laurent Vernet, project manager at Lune Rouge Collection and formerly at Bureau Art Public Montréal; his expertise will provide an overview of public art, particularly in Montreal.
Présented by Ivanhoé Cambridge
Since 2004, Marie-Justine Snider has been the curator of the art collections of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and its subsidiary, Ivanhoe Cambridge. She is responsible for the acquisition and management of both collections. She is also a member of the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal’s Board of Directors. From 2000 to 2004, she was curator of Hydro-Québec’s art collection.
The work of Nicolas Baier takes a critical look at the evolution of technologies and their influence on the human condition. The artist’s attraction for the monumental is manifested by large format sculptures, reflective materials, deep blacks and photographs of the infinitely small and immensity, among others.
Laurent Vernet is a specialist in art in public space who studies the effects of artworks exhibited in urban spaces and their contribution to the social dynamics of the city. He holds a master’s degree in art history and a doctorate in urban studies. From 2009 to 2018, he worked at the Public Art Bureau of the City of Montréal, where he served as commissioner for more than five years. Currently, he is the project manager for collections at Lune Rouge.
Christine Babkine is responsible for the organization, development and communication of initiatives by Ivanhoé Cambridge and its properties with regards to the environmental stewardship, employee engagement and community relations. She is involved in the development and implementation of programs that promote these different components within the organization and integrating them into the business strategy.
Christine Babkine joined Ivanhoé Cambridge in 2012, bringing with her nearly 20 years of experience in communications, marketing and the management of donations and sponsorships. She was at the helm of the regional marketing department of Tennis Canada, then served as Director of Marketing at La Ronde - a member of the Six Flags family, and Manager for donations and sponsorships at the SAQ. In 2011, she joined the Fondation Sedna. In each of these positions, she has distinguished herself through her exceptional drive, negotiating skills, innovative and creative spirit and passion for performance and results.
Christine Babkine sits on the Board of Directors of the Montreal Real Estate Foundation for Kids. She is a regular participant to sustainability panels and conferences.
Ms. Babkine has a degree in Business Administration from the Université du Québec à Montréal and another in Merchandising from the Institut Universitaire de Technologie in Montpellier, France.