Founded in 2016 and based in Quebec, Creos is a family-run business specializing in public art installations. Our mission is to democratize this form of art on a global scale. We achieve this by offering a wide range of interactive installations that not only transform public spaces into must-see destinations but also serve as platforms for sensory and interactive experiences. These award-winning installations have been making their mark in communities around the world since 2016.
As an international leader in our field, Creos serves as an active liaison among managers, developers, creators, and distributors of public art. Our holistic approach ensures that from concept to execution, public art garners the recognition and influence it deserves on the global stage.
Tell us about yourself?
My journey began in 2015 when I recognized an untapped potential in Montreal’s vibrant art scene. I was captivated by the idea of democratizing public art and saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Convinced that my expertise in project management could be a catalyst, I envisioned a venture that could bring artistic installations to the international forefront, transforming public spaces into dynamic cultural hubs.
In line with Creos’s mission to democratize public art, my goal was to create a family business that acts as a bridge between artists and communities. We wanted to unlock the transformative power of art by making it accessible and interactive, turning public areas into must-see destinations and enriching the cultural fabric of communities worldwide. After sharing this vision with my family, we all eagerly jumped on board, giving life to Creos.
With over 40 years of experience in the arts and entertainment industry, I’m no stranger to entrepreneurship. Early in my career, I exhibited a knack for identifying challenges and seizing opportunities across both private and public sectors. This rich, multifaceted background laid the foundation for establishing Creos and pioneering a new industry: the export of temporary interactive artworks in public spaces.
Courage, passion, and authenticity are just a few traits that have contributed to my success. My leadership, technical expertise, and focus on customer experience have made me a sought-after consultant for developing various public spaces. Specializing in operations management and the operational and technological development of outdoor public areas, I can fully express my passion through projects led by Creos.
Today, my enthusiasm extends not only to business development but also to mentoring the next generation of talents.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
If I could step back a few years, the advice I’d underscore for myself would be to stay focused—relentlessly focused on our choices, our methods, and our pace. It’s essential to remember that building a sustainable business is a marathon, not a sprint, and happiness should be at the core of our journey.
I’d also remind myself to lead with human values above all. Prioritizing teamwork, kindness, and empathy isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a foundation for success. This approach has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of how we operate and grow.
What problem does your business solve?
We’re more than a business; we’re Destination Makers. Our interactive art installations transform ordinary public spaces into dynamic cultural hubs. These installations offer visitors an ever-changing sensory experience, creating heartwarming and unforgettable moments. So far, we’ve brought life to over 350 public spaces, enhancing their social media presence, driving direct economic impact, and fostering community bonds.
Creos distinguishes itself through an innovative approach to solving unique challenges in the mobile art sector. We provide comprehensive turnkey solutions that are tailored to meet our clients’ specific needs. This includes taking care of all logistical aspects, from transportation and accommodation to the production of detailed site-specific plans. We also offer a full suite of marketing tools, such as promotional kits, photos, videos, testimonials, and statistics to support our clients. On top of that, we coordinate professional teams to handle on-site assembly and disassembly and offer consistent support from the project’s conception to its completion.
What truly sets Creos apart is our commitment to making art installations accessible to a broad range of communities. We’ve established a rigorous process that ensures meaningful partnerships with local communities, further differentiating us from any limited competition.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
One of the core inspirations behind Creos was the idea of giving second, third, fourth, and even more lives to artistic installations initially designed for a single presentation. By doing so, we address a crucial problem: the often ephemeral nature of public art.
Creos’s expertise alleviates artists from the burdens of logistical and operational management, as well as business development. This enables them to focus on what they do best—bringing art to life. We serve as a catalyst, helping to amplify the reach of local installations to an international audience. By taking care of the business side of things, we allow artists to concentrate on their craft while simultaneously offering communities around the globe access to world-class public art.
What is your magic sauce?
The real magic behind Creos lies in our ability to be a one-stop shop that’s all about possibility. Unlike others in the field, we take care of every facet of an art installation project, allowing our clients to focus on what matters most to them. Our wide-ranging portfolio of interactive installations offers something for everyone. But we don’t just stop at providing options; we delve deep to assess our clients’ pre-production needs and logistical requirements.
Our team of professionals is unparalleled when it comes to attention to detail. We meet and exceed expectations at every turn, ensuring that each project is executed flawlessly. Our turnkey service goes above and beyond, offering not just peace of mind but also comprehensive support that includes marketing, international transportation, on-site assembly and disassembly, as well as overall exhibit assistance.
By offering this full spectrum of services under one roof, we provide a seamless, worry-free experience that sets us head and shoulders above the competition.
What is the plan for the next 5 years?
Looking ahead, our vision is to expand Creos’s reach by enriching our portfolio with an array of new interactive art installations. We are determined to make interactive art accessible to every community, and as part of that commitment, we plan to establish a presence on the West Coast and in Europe. This expansion will enable us to work more closely with a diverse range of local and international talents, allowing us to offer novel and immersive experiences to our clients and their communities around the world.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
One major challenge has been not having enough installations to meet the growing demand. To solve this, we started a new company, Init, focused on creating more participatory installations. Raising the necessary funds was another big step, but it has only made us more committed to our mission.
How can people get involved?
If you’re passionate about revitalizing public spaces and fostering community engagement, we’re the right partner for you. Take a moment to browse our portfolio to get a sense of what we can accomplish together.