Choreographer and Artistic Director of MAYDAY Mélanie Demers has won the 2025 Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prize in the arts. This prestigious $50,000 prize recognizes her impact on the evolution of contemporary dance and her pioneering role in the exploration of new artistic forms. Her work continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences.
The Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prizes are awarded to two persons—one in the arts and the other in the social sciences and humanities—who have distinguished themselves by their outstanding achievements. This year, Demers is accompanied by Jennifer Clapp, winner of the Molson Prize in the social sciences and humanities. The prizes are intended to encourage their ongoing contributions to Canada’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
These prizes are administered by the Canada Council for the Arts in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
On the eve of her departure for Avignon, where Confession Publique is presented in the off program of the CDCN les Hivernales, and following the sold-out run of l’amour ou rien at the ESPACE GO theatre, Mélanie Demers receives this award with humility, alongside Margaret Atwood, Joséphine Bacon, Gaston Miron, Marie-Claire Blais, Lawrence Hill, Édouard Lock, among others.
The Price of the Prize
Winning a prize is like a pat on the back. It’s surprising but doesn’t hurt.
It does two things at the same time. It’s encouraging to think of the honour received. And it also stings a bit to think about all that it has cost, all the rough times, all that one has had to sacrifice for this strange life choice.
That’s what I’m thinking about. The price of the prize.
And I want to share the spotlight with all the people who have paid the cost of this prize with me. All those who have contributed in the shadows, in silence, alongside, implicitly, almost invisibly, behind the scenes, between the lines, and in the margins.
These are the people I wish to put centre stage today. These are the people I wish to thank, those who influence my art and life.
All these people… and I hope that you know who you are… you are the ones that make it possible for me to forge ahead and keep going.
And it is with all humility that I add my name to the long list of winners. I am in excellent company. From Margaret Atwood to Joséphine Bacon. From Gaston Miron to Marie-Claire Blais. From Lawrence Hill to Edouard Lock. The little girl in me doesn’t quite believe it.
And the big girl in me wants to tell herself that this cash will benefit the person who invests most of their time, energy, and love so that I can serenely live my life as an artist and mom.
Milo. This prize is for you.
M.D.
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