Closure of 'Espaces Bleus' Network: A new direction for cultural investment
Tashi Farmilo
In a significant shift for Quebec's cultural landscape, Mathieu Lacombe, the province's Minister of Culture and Communications, announced the termination of the "Espaces Bleus" network. This move has prompted Culture Outaouais to call on the government to redirect its planned investments toward bolstering the cultural sector in the region.
The "Espaces Bleus" initiative, initially lauded for its ambition to highlight heritage buildings and regional culture, faced criticism over its execution and potential overlap with existing cultural institutions. Concerns about the network's impact on the already fragile financial state of regional museums led to a re-evaluation of its efficacy.
In response to the closure, Benjamin Boulet, Interim Communications Manager for Culture Outaouais, expressed the organization's stance, "Culture Outaouais invites the Quebec government to redirect its planned investments to consolidate the cultural sector. In Outaouais, due to underfunding, we have significant needs in terms of cultural infrastructure such as libraries, museums, and performance halls."
Boulet also emphasized the anticipated effects of the decision on the region's cultural projects and institutions, stating, "We hope that the unused balance of the initial sum of $36.8 million over five years for the operation of the 'Espaces Bleus' (across Quebec) will be redirected to local needs."
As for plans to mitigate any negative impacts or capitalize on potential opportunities arising from the redirection of funds, Boulet mentioned, "We will continue our representations to position the cultural projects carried out by the community and provide concrete solutions for catching up."
Photo caption: The closure of the 'Espaces Bleus' network and fund redirection highlight the need for adaptability and collaboration to foster a vibrant cultural landscape in unique regions like Outaouais.
Photo credit: Screenshot of Minister Lacombe on the 'Espaces Bleus' initiative – April 25, 2023, on YouTube
