One major problem drives out the other in our society in perpetual crisis, and culture does not escape the effect of stupefaction. So after being hit hard by the pandemic, like everyone else, Quebec’s cultural sectors must now face the same enormous challenges by relaunching themselves in a context of labor shortages against a backdrop of inflation.
These two issues emerged during a round table on cultural recovery organized on Wednesday by the Council on International Relations of Montreal (CORIM).
Four leaders of major organizations took part in the discussion: Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director of the Conseil des arts de Montréal (CAM); Anne-Marie Jean, CEO of the Council of Arts and Letters of Quebec (CALQ); Louise Lantagne, President of the Society for the Development of Cultural Enterprises (SODEC); and Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership (QDS).
“The labor shortage is a real crisis that affects all sectors, and culture in particular,” said the latter, giving the example of endemic job insecurity for freelancers in arts. “Inflation is something even more serious. When there is inflation, people tighten their belts and the first two expenses cut are vacations and culture. »
Employees wanted
The labor shortage is also linked to the exhaustion of employees already on the job, added Nathalie Maillé, noting that the need for technicians and employees of all kinds is such that some cultural venues are afraid of not not be able to resume their normal activities in September. “For me, this is the main issue for the recovery,” said the director general of the CAM, adding that the establishment of a guaranteed minimum income for artists and artisans would help a lot.
She and her colleagues note that the cultural sector can no longer rely solely on the old-fashioned dedication of employees ready to make any sacrifice to work in the right environment. “Young people ask for listening and kindness,” said Ms.me Meshed. They prioritize quality of life. »
The problem of labor shortages also arises as the resumption of circulation produces a surplus of offers after two years of slowdown, even confinement. Jacques K. Primeau, producer and artist manager, who moderated the discussion, pointed out that 900 records have been released in 2021. The musicians now hope to undertake tours all at the same time.
Rethinking the cultural offer
The health crisis hit hard in the middle, but the quartet of leaders, who often spoke in unison, highlighted the positive aspects of its responsiveness. They unanimously praised the solidarity between the organizations, but also the flexibility of the programs adapted to deal with the unprecedented situation as well as the significant government support to help workers and cultural businesses.
Here are some random examples cited. SODEC set up an insurance program for film sets in one month, which then even encouraged the rest of Canada to follow this path. CAM created a program to support outdoor performance as venues closed or reduced operations. The QDS has multiplied the offers by overflowing its natural geographical framework to finally animate the entire city center.
Young people ask for listening and benevolence. They prioritize quality of life.
The recovery must go through the revitalization of this nerve center of the city, agreed the panelists, and several insisted that the private sector be more involved in this recovery to its advantage. Nathalie Maillé wants the development of cultural philanthropy and has suggested that patrons offer show tickets, or even a combination with a restaurant. Anne-Marie Jean suggested circulating the artists in the offices by imagining a quartet rehearsing in a skyscraper. Louise Lantagne focuses on the development of new audiences by opening up to the regions and diversity.
Anywhere on the planet
The venue for the debate (CORIM being “Montréal’s international showcase”) ultimately sparked discussions on the export of Québec cultural productions.
“Living in a closed market with a captive audience has had its day,” said Monique Simard. We have developed a quality of production and creation that allows us to compete with anyone anywhere on the planet. We are excellent, and therefore we have to develop the Quebec brand, and that is done well, on TV in particular. »
Anne-Marie Jean indicated that the performing arts already export their productions to some sixty countries and that every day, on average, seven Quebec creations are presented around the world. She added that the revival has begun from the point of view of outreach, with supporting figures: in 2019-2020, 427 productions had requested export assistance. There are already 95 for the first two months of this fiscal year, and Asia has not yet opened its markets.
Before the pandemic, the combined culture, leisure and information sectors accounted for 3.6% of Quebec’s GDP. More than 170,000 people work there. Quebec injected 225 million in April to consolidate the environment, including 23 million for the export of productions abroad.