This text is part of the special section Arts and culture in Quebec
Over the past ten years, the population’s arts consumption habits have changed. The pandemic has accelerated these changes, forcing artists and cultural organizations to find new methods of dissemination so that their works meet their audience. Then comes the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), which has developed new measures to support the community through this evolution.
“We are a listening and proactive council. We adapt our ways of doing things to always try to better support the community,” notes Honorine Youmbissi, director of support for artists, communities and regional action at CALQ.
Getting out of traditional broadcasting venues
This is how the measure of Presentation of shows using physical distancing was born quite quickly at the start of the pandemic to support broadcasting despite health constraints. A program that has brought joy to artists like Kristelle Holliday, who does “landscape theater” with the Théâtre des Petites Lanternes, in Sherbrooke, of which she is the artistic co-director. “The program was opened with attractive financial resources,” she emphasizes. That’s what made the difference. »
In the summer of 2020, 116 organizations obtained financial support as part of this measure, allowing 127 cultural projects to see the light of day thanks to an investment of more than $5.7 million. The measure returned the following year and contributed to the realization of 144 cultural projects, supporting 46 professional artists and 98 arts organizations with aid of nearly $6 million.
“It really was a win-win all round,” assures Honorine Youmbissi. Artists were able to continue creating by exploring new, atypical venues and the public had access to works. When we talk to the community, we understand that with these new methods of distribution, artists have also developed new audiences. It was a virtuous circle. »
What started as a solution to a problem opened new doors. In 2023, the CALQ launched a new version of the measure with the presentation of works in public spaces and in atypical places. The program will also be back and will support new projects in 2024-2025.
Not just in large urban centers
Going beyond traditional venues allows the CALQ to fulfill another of its missions at the same time: supporting artists and cultural organizations throughout Quebec and not just in large urban centers. The CALQ has, in fact, created territorial agreements in all regions of Quebec.
“There are magnificent proposals in the region, particularly with the river, but also projects which take place in fields, parks, green places”, raises Honorine Youmbissi. Several rural municipalities do not have traditional broadcasting venues and therefore turn to outdoor spaces, parishes or community centers.
By establishing partnerships to build funds, the Council “stimulates creation throughout the territory,” explains Éric Lord, general director of the Network of Regional Cultural Councils of Quebec. These agreements have enabled several organizations and several artists to obtain initial grants from the CALQ, contributing to their professionalization.
“Territorial agreements are also recognition of these artists who work hard in their region, who decide that they do not go to big cities and who integrate into their community,” adds Honorine Youmbissi.
Over the last five years, the number of projects supported under the Territorial Partnership Program has increased from 190 to 316, corresponding to an increase of 66%. The amount granted by the Council and its partners more than doubled, from $2.9 million to $5.7 million.
In the eyes of Éric Lord, the fact that these projects must be done in connection with the community constitutes “an important anchor with the territory and with the people”.
Creating with and for the community is what Kristelle Holliday does. The artist won the Artist in the Community award in 2022 for the Quatre-Quarts project and is now part of the jury. Born from a partnership between the CALQ and the organization Les Arts et la Ville, the prize requires artists to show a real commitment to their community.
“When we work with the community, as in all human relationships, it takes time,” believes Kristelle Holliday. It is a relationship of trust, an authentic relationship that must be built. This is what is interesting about the Artist in the Community award, this is what sets the selected artists apart. They have real commitment. »
Bringing cultural experiences to children
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