Convinced that the digital creativity scene in Quebec will be “the next video game industry,” the Legault government will inject $34.3 million over two years to support this booming sector.
To concretely illustrate what kind of projects could be supported from this envelope, the Minister of Culture, Mathieu Lacombe, gave the examples of the interactive Montreal in Stories circuit or the Foresta Lumina technological trail, in Coaticook. Quebec is therefore enhancing the assistance already offered to businesses that develop this type of initiative. The tax credit for multimedia events increases from 50 to 60%.
“The future of culture is largely digital. […] This is the underlying trend for the coming years. And as a government, we must prepare,” declared Minister Lacombe, who hopes that government assistance will allow Quebec talents to shine even further in the digital sector.
In recent years in particular, the Quebec studio Moment Factory has experienced phenomenal growth with its various artistic projects around the world that use new technologies. We could also mention the company SACA Technologies, based in Montreal, which recently participated in the design of the Sphere, this new performance hall in Las Vegas which offers an immersive experience with its spherical structure and its state-of-the-art light effects.
“Yes, the export aspect is important [dans ce plan de créativité numérique]. We are here to generate wealth. I don’t think we should be embarrassed to do it. When our local businesses shine internationally, we should be proud,” insisted the Minister of Culture at a press conference.
Not just for export
How can we now ensure that this subsidized Quebec expertise also materializes in Quebec, and not just abroad?
In the world of cinema, for example, Montreal may well be a hub for the animation sector, but Quebec productions make very little use of studios based here, because their expertise is often considered too expensive.
In the case of digital creativity, Mathieu Lacombe indicates that the plan whose outlines he announced on Monday focuses not only on supply, but also on demand. In other words, part of the budget allocated over two years to digital creativity, $15.4 million, is intended, among other things, for public spaces and venues to encourage them to order projects from Quebec companies. digital.
The Legault government reiterates that the digital transition is one of its cultural priorities. Quebec is currently working on a bill that aims to force large platforms, like Spotify and Netflix, to put more emphasis on Quebec content. Questioned on this subject on Monday, Minister Lacombe did not give a timetable for the tabling of this bill.