Our Team

Starting in 2012, a relationship of trust and deep understanding was forged between the Religious Hospitallers of Saint-Joseph and Élaine Gauthier, who was then employed by the City of Montreal. They would meet on several occasions over the years, in the context of preparing a statement of heritage interest for the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal site (2016)as well as a first series of conversations (2021)leading to the formulation of a vision for a project to requalify the Cité-des-Hospitalières.

The hospitallers approached Élaine again after she left the City of Montreal, asking her to continue the journey of meaning she had begun with their help. Élaine entered into a dialogue with them, aware that the charism at the heart of their mission («free to love and to serve») resonates with great relevance today, when multiple crises are shaking up our structures, our bearings and our aspirations.

Drawing inspiration from the commitment and work of the hospitallers, Brèches took shape in the summer of 2023. In 2024, with the arrival of Judith and Charlotte, the Brèches team is made up of three people deeply invested in this quest for meaning, care and transformation. Together, they set out to put into motion this profound ambition of humbly and courageously embodying a learning, conscious, open and connected humanity.

We are a small team of self-employed workers based in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal). Brèches is composed first and foremost of this small team and is joined by other collaborators to animate and nurture projects as needs arise from thematic cycles and from the evolution of Brèches.

Our working approach is based on learning, experimentation and intuition to create peaceful and pleasant spaces that reflect our deep personal intentions as well as the values and ethics that drive Brèches. Fluidity, well-being, transparency and good communication develop first between us and then become embodied in the project. 

We see projects, themes and our working methods as evolving and as part of a flexible design that can be shaped by the people who contribute to it.

It also seems important to mention that Brèches seeks to provide the members of its small team, and the people who temporarily join it, with the means to develop new knowledge and practices, to feel comfortable with the project, to be able to find their place within it and to have fun in their work.

A resident artist joins us during the period of exploration of a theme (approximately 6 months) to participate in a sensitive, creative and experiential integration of the various encounters organized by Brèches and to enrich our contents by a coherent and inspired artistic practice.

This residency aims to support and highlight the artist's innovative and sensitive work, giving them access to different areas of Cité-des-Hospitalières, which they will help to bring to life.

Brèches is an evolving project that seeks to design and implement its activities in alignment with its mission and values.

In this regard, Brèches acknowledges the many wage and compensation inequities that exist across different fields of work. Often, artists, social workers, facilitators, educators, and those working in the cultural, community, and arts sectors are underpaid, despite their essential contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. These sectors are also largely composed of women and racialized individuals.

Brèches offers a social honorarium to invited guests in its conversations and to its collaborators.

Social Pricing

Social pricing is a policy or pricing system designed to make certain services or products more financially accessible to individuals with low incomes or in precarious situations. This system is often implemented by governments, local communities, or public and private organizations to promote social equity.

For Brèches, social pricing is also a way to welcome individuals from diverse social backgrounds, including those who may feel distant from its approaches. For these individuals, paying for such activities might constitute a barrier to participation.

Brèches' mission involves establishing economic conditions that ensure real diversity among participants in its activities. This approach guarantees a deeper understanding and experience of a complex reality where different perspectives coexist. Economic constraints should not compromise this objective.

In summary, given the rising cost of basic necessities, the current political and social climate, and the urgent need to propose new approaches fostering resilience, community-building, and individual empowerment, it is essential that the experiences and activities offered by Brèches remain accessible.

Free Admission

Free admission is an option within Brèches' pricing model. It serves as a way for Brèches to uphold its mission of accessibility while sparking curiosity and interest in its activities among various social groups, including the most financially vulnerable, who might not otherwise participate.

Additionally, free admission itself encourages exploration and curiosity.

Learn more about our social pricing policy here

No collaboration opportunities are currently open.
However, you’re always welcome to write to us at info@breches.org