Massive Montreal art hub's future uncertain
Andrés Duran has long had an eye for art.
'Since I was in university I was coming to visit galleries and exhibitions,' he says.
After studying art history and working in a Westmount gallery, Duran decided to open one of his own.
He opened Duran Contemporain and has been renting a space in Montreal's Belgo building since November of last year.
'That was one of the few spaces that was available and manageable for my very small operation,' the gallery owner and director says.
Duran Contemporain
The Duran Contemporain exhibition hall in the Belgo building. (Anastasia Dextrene/CTV News)
Duran prides himself on curating works that suit his 'intimate and cozy' gallery space.
Its L-shaped layout allows him to run multiple exhibits, he says, as he helps emerging Montreal artists launch their careers.
While reflecting on the growth of Montreal artist Tuan Vu, at first, 'we weren't able to sell one painting,' the gallerist says.
'Then we did the art fair in Montreal. We sold the paintings we had there, went back to the gallery and sold everything, like within one week,' he added.
There could be fewer stories like this one, as the Belgo building is up for sale.
With more than 25 galleries, dance studios and offices, the building at 372 Sainte-Catherine St. West, built in 1913, is one of the largest arts hubs in Canada.
However, tenants fear a change in ownership could push them out with an increase in rent.
Duran says his current rent is seven times less than what he used to pay for his gallery's previous location on Sherbrooke Street.
'It can mean life or death for a gallery,' he says.
Despite concerns, Avison Young, the real estate company handling the sale, wants tenants to be reassured.
They say current leases will be honoured.
'The cultural aspect cannot be negated. We are in the entrance to the Quartier des Spectacles and so it plays into why this building is occupied. [...] We wholeheartedly believe that the right type of buyer understands that,' executive vice-president Mark Sinnett told CTV.
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