Montréal Centre for Contemporary Textiles

The mission of the Montréal Centre for Contemporary Textiles (MCCT) is to teach the professional skills needed to design and produce textiles. This includes everything from weaving and knitting, to embroidery and dyeing. As a school and studio, the MCCT welcomes CÉGEP students, professionals and members of the public.

The history of the MCCT began in 1975 when Régine Mainberger and Louise Lemieux Bérubé opened an initial textile design studio at the Westmount Visual Arts Centre. In 1990, the duo founded a textile construction school and studio, called the École-atelier en construction textile de Montréal, which was accredited by the Ministère de l’Éducation. The school then established a partnership with Cégep du Vieux Montréal to offer a diploma of collegial studies (DEC) in Crafts – textile construction option.

The name of the school was changed twice: it became the Centre des métiers en construction textile in 1995, then the Montréal Centre for Contemporary Textiles in 1999.

As of 2019, 28 students were registered for the program in Crafts – textile construction option. They learn to design and make original creations and limited-run objects for the fashion, design and lifestyle sectors, using traditional methods along with specialized software and equipment.

In addition to offering specialized courses, the Centre makes its facilities and equipment available to professional artisans and companies for prototyping and small-scale production. The MCCT also organizes exhibitions, lectures and gatherings.