MTL Clowns

SUPPORT US

Fiscal Sponsorship program - Conseil des arts de Montréal

Support the 9th edition of the Montreal Clown Festival and receive a tax receipt for any donation of $25 or more from the Montreal Arts Council.

This fundraising campaign is made possible through the Fiscal Sponsorship Program with the support of the Conseil des arts de Montréal.

“Having been in the clown community for over 40 years, it’s only natural that I advocate for my community, continue to believe in it, and stay involved. We are a joyful organization that needs your loooove… come support us! XX”

Dôlorèze Léonard

The 9th edition of the Festival des Clowns de Montréal will take place from April 8 to April 10, 2026. The festival celebrates the joy and laughter that clowns bring.

WHY DONATE? WHAT DOES YOUR DONATION DO?

There is no other festival dedicated specifically to this art in Montreal. The festival’s role is therefore of great importance not only to the clown community but also to the circus and theatre communities in Montreal and beyond. This often-overlooked art form holds unparalleled transformative potential: inviting everyone, through laughter and comedy, to become aware of our individual and collective shortcomings and blunders.

Our organization brings the clowning community together, involves other local clown organizations, and offers a space for connection, exchange, and development.

Performance and Awareness: The programming highlights quality clown performances, allowing the public to discover this discipline as a legitimate and inspiring art form.

Training and Experimentation: Clowns need opportunities to test and refine their craft in front of an audience. We provide concrete tools for creation and knowledge-sharing through workshops and thematic discussions.

The 2025 Gala the Misunderstood Cabaret Photo of MC René Bazinet by Emelia Hellman.

To support to the festival, donations can be made via the CAM website thanks to its Parrainage Fiscal program. You will receive a tax receipt and MTL Clowns will receive support through the Arts Council.

On behalf of the MTL Clowns Board of Directors, THANK YOU for helping us, help you, LAUGH!

Board of Directors: Mathilde Balli, Patrick Barsalou, Cécile Braemer, Patrick Léonard, Dominique Marier, Vanessa Rigaux, Mirko Trierenberg.

Board of Directors

Dominique Marier President
Director of Art and Development, Le Gésù
Patrick Barsalou – Vice-President 
Manager, Casting – Artist Contracts, Cirque du Soleil
Mathilde Balli – Secretary
Marketing and Social Media Specialist, Capas Danse
Cécile Braemar – Treasurer
Film head of the design department (retired)
Patrick Léonard
Co-founder & Co-Director, 7 Doigts de la Main
Vanessa Rigaux
Artistic & General Director – The Montréal Clown Festival
Mirko Trierenberg
Consultant in Strategy and Organizational Transformation

Founding Chairwoman
Jennifer Quinn

Festival Staff

Artistic & General Director
Vanessa Rigaux
Production Manager
Tanya Burka
Associate Producer
Ilana Shecter
Graphic Design
Solène Lautridou 

Artistic Planning Team
Marie-Hélène Côté, Krin Haglund, Dominique Marier, Vanessa Rigaux

Festival Co-founders
Vanessa Rigaux & Kendall Savage