The PHI Foundation, formerly DHC Art, is an anchor of the contemporary art scene in Montreal since 2007. It is housed in an art deco building in Old Montreal. Founded by Phoebe Greenberg, and inspired by the Fondation Cartier in Paris, the PHI Foundation is focused on making contemporary art accessible to the largest number of people.

I can’t tell you how many amazing global artists I’ve seen there over the years. When I lived in Montreal, I visited. When I’ve lived elsewhere, I’ve returned to the city, sometimes specifically to see a show at PHI.

Here are a few of the globally renowned artists I have seen over the years: Sophie Calle (2008), Chris Marklay (2009), Eija Liisa-Ahtila and Jenny Holzer in 2010, Thomas Demand (2013), Richard Mosse (2014), Bjork (2016), Stan Douglas in 2021. Every one of these shows was well-curated thought-provoking and often experiential.

The current show (beginning August 4) is of work by Moridja Kitenge Banza, an artist born in Congo, then lived in Paris, and now calls Montreal home. Part of his show explores the “unequal power dynamics of cartography and the divinatory art of palmistry.”

PHI Foundation is part of the larger PHI network, also including the PHI Centre, PHI Studio, artist residency programs, and Antenna, an editorial platform. When you’re down by the river in Old Montreal, you can find PHI Foundation by looking for the red-lighted window, up rue St-Nicolas.