Transversal issues: digital technologies
The Government of Quebec has given several presentations at international forums, including the International Organisation of La Francophonie and UNESCO, so that the impact of digital technologies is taken into consideration in the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
In April 2015, the Ministere de la Culture et des Communications (MCC), in collaboration with the Ministere des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie (MRIF), implemented a working group on digital technologies and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions with the purpose of:
- documenting the issues, challenges and opportunities for Quebec represented by the impact of digital technologies of the diversity of cultural expressions;
- establishing Quebec's position in relation to the issue of operational directives on digital technologies, including their possible content, format and relevance;
- reviewing any other legal or non-legal instrument that could be adopted by Convention representatives to adjust to the implementation of the Convention in a digital environment;
- sharing Quebec's good practices and expertise in the cultural and digital sector with UNESCO.
Taking the new digital reality into consideration is at the heart of many of the MCC's interventions, along with those of state-owned enterprises who work in the cultural sector (Tele-Quebec, the Societe de developpement des entreprises culturelles [SODEC], Bibliotheque et Archives nationales du Quebec [BAnQ], the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec [CALQ], etc.). lnterministerial collaborations are also being established on this issue, notably with the MRIF.
Quebec's Digital Cultural Plan (QDCP) was launched in 2014. lt included over 50 measures for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. QDCP helps cultural environments go digital so that Quebec continues to count on this significant support for its economy and remain competitive in international markets.
At the same time, the web magazine, video distribution channel and specialized cultural network (La Fabrique culturelle [link available in French only]) launched by Tele-Quebec in 2014 is also a tool for showcasing Quebec culture.
Until 2012-2013, the CALQ offered the digital platforms and networks measure with the goal of implementing digital networks and platforms to build partnerships and support the emergence of projects. In 2014-2015, this measure was replaced by three measures included in QDCP:
- support for the creation and development of original, digital, cultural content, notably to foster the creation of original artistic content on La Fabrique culturelle;
- support for digitizing artistic and literary content so that organizations can digitize, disseminate and make more on line content available.
- Support for the deployment of digital infrastructures that notably promotes pooling resources and expertise.
The SODEC implemented a digital/interactive advisory committee including representatives of businesses or organizations that work in the digital sector to receive information on community needs while programs related to digital technologies are developed.
BAnQ designed a web portal (link available in French only) that provides access to digitized heritage documents from national libraries that are members of the RFN.
One of the objectives of Agenda 21 for Culture for Quebec (link available in French only) is to develop and promote creativity by integrating culture into innovation policies and facilitating the arts, literature and cultural industries sector's adjustment to the Internet and the new digital reality.
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