A non-profit organization founded in 1984, Les éditions Esse produces Esse arts + opinions, a bilingual contemporary art magazine covering a wide range of artistic practices, including visual arts, performing arts, digital arts and all forms of social, in situ or performative intervention.

Motivated by environmental and societal issues, by ethical reflections and the major changes that result from them, Esse defines itself as a socially engaged magazine that values critical thinking and favours analyses that address art in relation to the context in which it takes place. Les éditions Esse advocates values of inclusivity and social equity, and is committed to promoting the influence and recognition of its collaborators. Eco-responsibility and sustainable development are also among Esse‘s core values, as evidenced by the many articles published on the subject in the magazine.

Each issue features a theme analyzed through critical texts and portfolios of works. The regular participation of new authors multiplies and decompartmentalizes points of view, giving the magazine an international and human face. A section of off-feature critical articles, columns, reviews of exhibitions, books or events, and a section presenting the activities of Esse‘s advertising partners complete the issues.

On the web, esse.ca offers original texts and digital research residencies, as well as presenting the contents of the print magazine in a dynamic format adapted to the digital world. Les éditions Esse also publishes occasional books on key issues in contemporary art, and stages the annual Vendu-Sold auction, which has been linking art, collecting and philanthropy since 2009. To find out more about Vendu-Sold, visit https://encan.esse.ca/en.

Land Acknowledgement

We wish to acknowledge that the Esse offices are located on unceded Indigenous lands. Les éditions Esse recognizes the Kanien’kehá: ka Nation as custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtiá:ke / Montréal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, a diverse Indigenous population, as well as other peoples, reside here.

It is therefore with respect for the ties to the past, present and future that the Esse team recognizes the ongoing relationships between Indigenous Peoples and other members of the Montréal community.