MONTREAL — The Cole Foundation is awarding $295,000 to 16 theatre companies and projects across Greater Montreal through its Intercultural Conversations–Conversations Interculturelles grant program, supporting productions that explore cultural identity, Indigenous perspectives and dialogue between communities.
The latest funding round will support theatrical work during the 2026-27 season, including money for post-show audience discussions designed to extend conversations raised on stage. The program provides grants for the commissioning, production and translation of eligible professional theatre projects.
Now in its 18th year, the initiative was created to encourage professional theatre that introduces Montreal audiences to different cultural heritages while creating opportunities for discussion across communities.
Record Applications Highlight Demand for Diverse Montreal Theatre
The Cole Foundation said the latest spring competition attracted a record 33 applications. Five of the 16 projects receiving support centre Indigenous stories and perspectives, while other funded works draw on Haitian, Algerian, Latino, Lebanese Canadian, Afro-Latino, Ukrainian, Colombian Canadian, Ivorian, Chilean and Black Canadian narratives.
Nancy Wells, president of the Cole Foundation, said the volume and range of applications demonstrate continued interest in theatre focused on intercultural experiences.
“For 18 years, the Intercultural Conversations-Conversations Interculturelles program has supported work that brings people together, challenges assumptions, and deepens mutual understanding. This spring we received a record 33 applications — a reflection of just how vital and needed this kind of storytelling has become. This grant cycle also reflects a deepening commitment to Indigenous voices, with five of the 16 funded projects centering Indigenous stories and perspectives. Together with productions rooted in Haitian, Algerian, Latino, Lebanese Canadian, Afro-Latino, Ukrainian, Colombian Canadian, Ivorian, Chilean and Black Canadian narratives, the works reflect the breadth of lived experience across Montreal and beyond. These projects make a meaningful impact in our communities.”
Projects Span Languages, Identities and Theatrical Styles
The selected projects cover established theatre companies, independent artists, touring productions, solo performances and youth theatre.
Their subject matter and theatrical approaches include comedy, poetry, autobiography, puppetry, mythology, cultural celebrations and immersive sound experiences. Other projects examine intergenerational trauma, refugee experiences and integration, exile, immigrant identity, queer history in Lebanon and the continuing legacies of colonial history.
The range reflects the program’s broader objective of using professional theatre as a platform for cultural exchange while providing Montreal audiences with opportunities to encounter stories and perspectives that may be outside their own experiences.
Fourteen Productions Receive Cole Foundation Grants
Production grants were awarded to Geordie Theatre for Nohkom’s Knick-Knacks by Barry Bilinsky; Imago Theatre for Akuteu by Soleil Launière, translated by Mishka Lavigne; Orange Noyée for Neige sur Abidjan by Iannicko N’Doua; and Les Productions Menuentakuan for Femmes de la traite des fourrures / Women of the Fur Trade by Frances Koncan.
Other recipients include Teesri Duniya Theatre for The Green Line by Makram Ayache; Collectif Théâtral Potomitan for MENAJ by Maryline Chery; Espace Libre for Le syndrome du gisant by Pauline Ben Guigui; La Veille for Rien n’est à Nous by Maxime Mompérousse; and Le PàP for Paradis Ébène by Phara Thibault.
Funding also goes to Productions Ondinnok for Espotewset / La reine ourse by Dave Jenniss; Simon Riverin for Ka Uinaksheshet – les enfants sales; Théâtre de la Sentinelle for Chilling!?! by Lyndz Dantiste; Théâtre Denise-Pelletier for Là où je me terre by Nathalie Doummar, adapted from Caroline Dawson’s novel; and Trois Tristes Tigres for Nous, dans les plaines immenses by Olivier Kemeid.
Commissioning Support Goes to Quinceañera
A commissioning grant was awarded to Mariana Tayler Gomez for Quinceañera, adding a new work to the slate supported through the latest competition.
The foundation holds two Intercultural Conversations–Conversations Interculturelles grant competitions each year, in October and April.
The deadline for the next competition is Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eligible theatre companies can obtain application requirements and forms through the Cole Foundation’s website.
With $295,000 committed in the latest funding round, the program continues to provide financial backing for Montreal theatre-makers developing productions centred on cultural exchange, representation and community dialogue.