Protect and celebrate the Earth at Age of Union
This article was published on November 29, 2023.
Tucked away in the creative Mile Ex neighbourhood, the Age of Union Centre blends art, culture and nature in an innovative multidisciplinary gallery and events space working to spotlight the developing conditions of the environmental crisis, community issues and social justice. Dedicated to mobilization and collaboration, the 12,000-square-foot Centre plays host to special exhibitions. The Centre also presents a slow art approach, with average visit times ranging between two to three hours.
Reflective permanent installations
Presenting an opportunity to bask in a series of constructed rooms illustrating several of the planet’s biological wonders, the Centre’s permanent installations offer a unique environment to contemplate and consider. Including the informative Earth Room, the blue-lit Glacier Cave, the glowing Lava Cave, the soul-warming and calming Sun and Moon Rooms, and the 360-degree the Hive, these immersive experiences create new ways of relating to the natural world. More than merely scientific presentations, each chamber requires quiet meditation on the part of the visitor leaving guests refuelled with an enriched connection to the Earth and its processes.
A place of documentation
Beyond the confines of the Centre, Age of Union operates as an internationally-active organization whose projects have ranged from conservation activities in Trinidad, Indonesia, across Canada, Peru, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including collaboration with the legendary Jane Goodall. These projects are all documented and commemorated in the centre’s 10 Projects by Age of Union exhibition, along with the continued promise of further work in those areas and others. The screening room also presents their documentary CAUGHT, outlining the protective work of the M/Y Age of Union ship alongside Sea Shepherd France organism to expose fishing methods affecting dolphin and other sea life populations. (Their other films, We are the Saint Lawrence River dedicated to that which flows around the island of Montréal, The Heart of a Mission documenting the work of Peruvian Amazon non-profit Junglekeepers, and the tribute to the activist work of Dominique Bikaba on behalf of Indigenous peoples and gorillas The Corridor are all available for streaming on the Age of Union website).
A place of gathering for all seasons
In the spring, summer and autumn seasons, the Age of Union Centre’s outdoor garden and swimming pool features plants native to the Montréal area, and a collaboration with the Alvéole urban beekeeping team. With a primary focus on fostering hope for a healthier future for the planet, the Age of Union Centre’s mission, exhibitions and continued activity is certain to inspire all generations.
Mark Hamilton
Mark Hamilton is the community director for QueerMTL, an internationally-touring musician with his projects Woodpigeon and Frontperson and a graduate studies student of history researching LGBTQ+ activism in the city. He’s lived in Montréal since 2015, during which time he’s most often spotted atop a BIXI bike usally running a few minutes late.