Heritage, culture, and financial potential
Iconic Montreal street art mural – Under Pressure. From Zïlon to Monk-E, the pioneers of street art within collectors’ reach
Montreal has established itself as a hotspot for street art, with two annual graffiti festivals—one of international renown—and murals on every corner. The Under Pressure festival, founded in 1996, is the oldest of its kind in North America and this year celebrates its 30th anniversary, a true pillar of Montreal’s urban culture. In Montreal, the price gap compared to international markets remains significant, but the global trend favors mid-price works with strong storytelling, aligned with the concept of the 'MTL pioneers'. Cultural events such as MURAL and Under Pressure strengthen demand and visibility internationally. Local taxation is favorable, and the internationalization plan foresees sales, fairs, and museum partnerships with precise objectives: a first auction ≥ $30k within 18 months and two exhibitions in North America and Europe/US within 36 months.
Street art, long confined to urban spaces and underground culture, is now recognized by the traditional art market.
Street art shows an average appreciation potential of ×4.6 according to global indices, offering a promising investment opportunity for collectors.
Works currently priced at 2–10k CAD could be worth 50–150k CAD within 5–10 years, depending on reputation, rarity, and international exposure.
Montreal still shows a significant price gap compared to international markets, offering attractive appreciation potential. In a global consolidation context (-12% in 2024), demand focuses on mid-price works with strong storytelling, perfectly aligned with the urban identity of the 'MTL pioneers'. Festivals like MURAL and Under Pressure, supported by cultural and tourism policies, strengthen local recognition and its international exportability.
Montreal works remain clearly undervalued compared to international markets, despite comparable artistic quality. This price gap creates significant catch-up potential for collectors.
The global art market declined by 12% in 2024, creating a favorable acquisition context. This correction provides buyers with advantageous entry points. It represents a strategic window to invest before the next recovery cycle.
Festivals and cultural mediation enhance artists’ visibility and stimulate demand. Supported by active public policies, they create a dynamic ecosystem. This local anchoring fosters internationally exportable recognition.
Whether you are a private collector, business, institution, or investor, Montreal street art offers unique benefits tailored to your goals.
• High long-term appreciation potential (+165% to +540% over 20 years) • Access to rare yet affordable works (Zïlon, Labrona, Monk-E…) • Local pride: supporting Montreal culture • Strong storytelling: each work tells a part of the city • Reference collection still possible to build
• Tax deductions up to 53⅓%/year (20% federal + 33⅓% Quebec) • Improved brand image • Social responsibility and support for local artists • Visual storytelling tools for your premises • Enhanced client visibility in reception areas
• Preservation of ephemeral heritage • Historical collections of Quebec street art • New young and urban audiences • Innovative exhibitions blending art and pop culture • Direct support to artists through acquisitions
• Geographic and aesthetic diversification • Low entry cost, high catch-up potential • Underexploited market with expected growth • Complete collection still accessible • Returns uncorrelated with traditional markets
Montreal, rich in street art pioneers and a vibrant scene, represents a unique opportunity to build an urban art collection that is historically meaningful and promising as an investment. Businesses gain both fiscal and identity advantages by supporting local creation, curators ensure the preservation of cultural heritage at risk, and private collectors can combine passion with potential returns.
Urban characters and visual storytelling
Urban contemporary abstraction
Iconic works of the mural movement
Beyond aesthetics, investing in contemporary art offers a long-term appreciation opportunity for you.
Average growth of 8–12% per year on the contemporary art market
Competitive differentiation and strengthening your identity
Proven improvement in employee productivity and satisfaction
Current price (primary market)
3,000 – 10,000 CAD
+116%
5,000 → 10,800 CAD
+211%
5,000 → 15,550 CAD
*Projections based on the Montreal urban art market analysis
L’Original is an art gallery committed to promoting Montreal street art. With two unique locations on Saint-Denis/Mont-Royal and in Old Montreal on Saint-Paul, we highlight local artists and offer an immersive experience through exhibitions, openings, and artistic events.
We are a non-profit organization (NPO) and a trusted company. We also organize corporate events (team buildings) as well as cultural events (rap clashes, live performances, workshops).
Artur.art supports you in building and enhancing your Montreal contemporary art collection
