Application training sessions soon

Investment of $1.2 million announced for Outaouais arts and literature

Tashi Farmilo

In a significant boost for the arts and cultural scene in Outaouais, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) and its partners announced today an investment of $1,195,500 as part of a new Territorial Partnership Agreement. The agreement, which runs from 2024 to 2027, aims to support artistic and literary projects that connect local communities with culture, marking an exciting development for the region's creative landscape.

This investment, which represents a $444,750 increase from the previous agreement, is designed to enhance the Outaouais Territorial Partnership Program. The program will finance creation, production, and dissemination projects, with the goal of fostering deeper ties between art and the community. The funds will be distributed over the next three years, ensuring sustained support for local artists, writers, and organisations.

“This agreement is excellent news for the region!" said Mathieu Lacombe, Quebec's Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region. “The renewal of this partnership will allow numerous artistic projects to come to life, enriching the cultural offerings for the people of Outaouais."

The initiative brings together a coalition of government and regional bodies, including the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the MRCs of Collines-de-l'Outaouais, Papineau, Pontiac, La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, the City of Gatineau, and Culture Outaouais. Each partner contributed to the agreement to ensure a wide-reaching impact across the entire region.

Promoting Cultural Vitality and Regional Growth

Andrée Laforest, Quebec’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, stressed the broader implications of the investment, stating, “Our government’s involvement through the Regional and Rural Fund is helping to democratise access to the arts for citizens of the Outaouais. This agreement connects communities with unique creative projects that will enhance the region’s appeal.”

Benoit Lauzon, President of the Conférence des préfets de l'Outaouais, highlighted the importance of culture in territorial development, noting that the investment is crucial for the region’s creators, artists, and artisans, whose work contributes to the vibrancy of the community.

CALQ’s Interim President and CEO, Véronique Fontaine, celebrated the new agreement as a milestone. "For 30 years, CALQ has been supporting regional realities, ensuring art is accessible throughout Quebec. This agreement is a perfect birthday gift for CALQ, and I am grateful to all partners for their commitment to fostering local culture.”

A call for projects has been launched for artists, professional writers, and arts organizations in the Outaouais region. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals to the CALQ by January 16, 2025. The new program provides support in various areas, including creation, production, mobility, and dissemination.

Culture Outaouais will also provide technical support for artists and organisations looking to submit proposals. To facilitate the application process, information sessions will be held on November 4 and November 5, 2024, catering to both individual artists and organisations.

Clara Lagacé, Co-President of Culture Outaouais, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of the new agreement. “The financial boost of this program is a real asset for the region. The previous agreement supported 46 projects, and this renewal will undoubtedly foster even more collaborations between artists, writers, and cultural organisations, driving creativity and community engagement across Outaouais.”