Montreal Tech Watch

Videopresse (by Christian Aubry) did an interview this wednesday of Richard Langevin, during the public protest at Société des Arts Technologiques. He explains that by cutting in subventions, Ottawa is threatening programs, exhibitions, events, and also the support that the SAT is giving to digital artists. They also do research & development about digital identity & new media, whose future is now uncertain if funding is stopped.

For MTW readers, many technology gatherings were organized at the SAT, such as democamps, barcamps, video game camps, pecha kuchas, rococo camp, and also startupcamps, making it the de-facto place for local *camps. They’ve got one the best infrastructure for multimedia presentations, but most importantly, were keen to support the nascent technology community, even if the concept was a bit crazy at its beginnings.

I would hate for instance if the SAT would have to change policy, (such as charging full market price for *camps or start to issue “guidelines” on events, straight from “guidelines” from the government). Its free/loose nature makes it a great place for entrepreneurs/geeks/designers to meet. I know for instance that the Standoutjobs team started there. Lots of other technology projects started there too. Just because of this, SAT deserves our support. If you can do something, please then do so.