Les Essentiels is an interactive public art installation produced by Laurence Philomene in collaboration with Massivart and with the support of the city of Montreal.

The project consists of 8 colourful sculptures displayed at Jarry park, linked to a series of portraits via an online platform (http://les-essentiels.co/). These portraits showcase various essential workers in the neighbourhood of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension.

The portraits aim to celebrate the diversity of the neighbourhood and to reframe what essential means, and who is deemed essential in our communities. Colourful and playful, this installation invites the public to interact with the artwork and to creatively connect with one another as neighbours.