The first steps were marked by the opening of weekly visual art and upcycling workshops, where creativity flourished and works of art took shape. A poetry club added an interpretative dimension to these artistic creations, creating a multi-faceted space for expression. With 15 pioneering artists and 5 dedicated volunteers, L’Original took off.

Dorian Verdier, a B.A.A. student in Economics and Marketing and a HEC Montréal student in Innovation Management, led the initiative as a volunteer. Jason Prince of PME Montréal and Robert Dutton, Director of the Entrepreneurial Pole at HEC Montréal, provided invaluable advice.

2019 marked an important milestone with the legal establishment of L’Original as a non-profit organization. The number of artists increased to 25 and the number of volunteers to 10, reflecting the continued growth of our creative community. We launched a multilingual website to showcase our artists across borders, paving the way for an global reach.

2020 was one of consecration for L’Original. The opening of a self-managed gallery / studio on Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal provided a tangible space for creation and art shows. An artistic recycling of 300 objects embodied our commitment to sustainability and reinvention. Our new brand name, Loriginal.org, seals our innovative identity.

L’Original didn’t stop at artistic creation. We organized an ethical fashion show featuring recycled, hand-painted clothing, sparking important conversations about anorexia and bulimia. Our incubation within HEC Montréal’s entrepreneurial base strengthened our entrepreneurial foundations.

In 2021, L’Original extended its artistic influence by opening a gallery / studio in Old Montreal, showcasing local contemporary art, particularly street art. A collaboration with a Salvador Dali exhibition underlined our commitment to art in all its forms. Eight public vernissages allowed our artists to shine, and over 50 works were sold. The media, including La Presse and Radio Canada, noted our impact.

2022 was a year of international outreach for L’Original. We joined Artsy and entered the international art market, offering our Canadian artists a global audience. Registrations at art fairs in North America strengthened our presence. Dorian Verdier, now CEO, benefited from the support of a curator to select the best muralists in Montreal.

Artistic diversification continued with the development of an export strategy for murals in North America and Europe. Our participation in events such as “Vue d’Afrique” and the 10th edition of the MURAL festival underlined our active presence. Our partnership with the Musée du Grand Quai Dali showcased street artist Monk.e. The creation of a second gallery, accompanied by artists’ studios, expanded our creative space at 4455 Saint-Denis.

2023 became the year of artistic affirmation for L’Original. With 15 vernissages featuring Montreal mural artists, we attracted an average of 250 visitors per event. Our galleries achieved financial self-sufficiency, receiving an average of 50 visitors a day and 150 during the high season.

The history of L’Original is tangible proof of our commitment to art, sustainability, creativity and social impact. Through Artur.Art, we’ve paved the way for artists to continue to express themselves, connect and be inspired. Our aim was to democratize access to art.