Manif d’art will celebrate its 5th anniversary with Fortin’s project in 2010.

Claude Bélanger, Executive/Artistic Director of the Manifestation, remarked, “I am delighted to entrust the curatorship of the Manif’s 2010 edition to Sylvie Fortin, whose work has consistently tackled challenging, timely questions through informed, yet unorthodox, artistic choices. Fortin’s project will explore provocative ideas and showcase the work of today’s most fascinating artists. The Manif’s international profile has been consistently growing over the past decade. Fortin’s appointment reiterates our commitment to both our community and the world. In addition to her experience and renown, Fortin has previously lived and worked in Quebec City. As such, she understands the unique character of the Quebec art scene, Her Biennale will bring the globe to our city, while reflecting our event’s unique role as both nexus and catalyst.”

Fortin said “I am honored to have been selected to curate the 5th Manif d’art. I look forward to take on the challenge of creating an exciting, citywide event that brings some of today’s most provocative artists and thinkers to Quebec City in 2010. I hope to use this opportunity to commission challenging works, put together a high-energy, thought-provoking event, and engage the public in fresh, meaningful ways. The Manif’s format—citywide thematic exhibition, symposium, publication, and public programs—provides the ideal vehicle to work through timely ideas. In addition, the rich mix of arts and cutural institutions in Quebec City, and their impressive production capacity, provide a unique context from which to focus on artists, ideas, and production.”

Sylvie Fortin
Sylvie Fortin is an independent curator, art historian, critic and editor who has worked internationally since 1991. She became Editor-in-Chief of ART PAPERS in October 2004, spearheading the magazine’s redefinition and redesign, which positioned it as a leading international contemporary art magazine. ART PAPERS now counts subscribers in over 50 countries. She became Executive Director/Editor of ART PAPERS in November 2007. Fortin was Curator of Contemporary Art at the Ottawa Art Gallery (Ottawa, Ontario, 1996—2001), Program Coordinator at la chambre blanche (Quebec City, Quebec, 1991-1994), and a long-term collaborator with OBORO (Montreal, Quebec, 1994-2001). Her critical essays have been published in Canadian, American and European catalogues, and her reviews have appeared in many periodicals including Art Press, C Magazine, Espace, Fuse, NKA: Journal of Contemporary African Art and Parachute.

Fortin studied Art History at the University of Toronto, Université Laval, and Duke University. She has received numerous significant grants and awards as a critic and curator, as well as for her academic research. Fortin was named Lexus Leader of the Arts in December 2007.