The Government of Quebec is providing additional assistance of $35 million for festivals and tourist events over the next three years. An announcement warmly welcomed by the community.
Posted at 7:49 p.m.
The atmosphere was festive during this press briefing in the heart of the entertainment district where the stages will be set up which will receive the artists chosen for the opening of the 33e edition of the Francofolies de Montréal. “This is the first series of events, 100% physical, without enclosure, without distancing for the past two years”, recognizes the Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, encouraged to see that people are there.
This amount is in addition to an envelope of $45 million that was already earmarked for this purpose. A total of $85 million will be invested from 2022 to 2025. “This is an unprecedented level of funding for Quebec festivals and events, which are guaranteed to have a solid base for the next three years,” said Martin Roy, President and CEO. of the International Major Events Group (RÉMI), who spoke during the announcement.
This new amount is, according to him, in unison with their justified requests within the framework of the pre-budget publications. “I am convinced that this addition will help support the relaunch and give more appeal to the programming, which will result not only in increased attendance, and therefore more tourists in festivals, hotels and restaurants, but also by more stars in the eyes of festival-goers […] “, he believes before thanking the minister for her support throughout her mandate.
Encourage recovery
The general manager of Évènements Attractions Québec, François Chevrier, recalls the impact that such support can have on the many organizations that orchestrate festivals across the province, all year round, regardless of their influence. . “This financial assistance will help support this revival and ensure that this sector, which is important, which is structuring for the cultural tourism industry in Quebec, can continue. [dans toute sa diversité] “.
“This wealth will be able to continue, survive this crisis, take the time to consolidate its recovery,” he believes. According to him, this support will allow, among other things, organizations to rebuild their teams, seek sponsors and find the public.
In a context of labor shortage that is hitting the industry hard, the Minister argues that pooling projects and the contribution of communities are at the heart of the strategies to overcome this new crisis affecting the Quebec cultural sector, as well as internationally.