Partout, la culture [Culture Everywhere] cultural policy

MCC launched Quebec's cultural policy, Partout, la culture, in June 2018. This is the second cultural policy developed in Quebec and the first to refer to the Convention. The new policy builds on the achievements of the 1992 policy, while setting directions tailored to current issues. It is timeless and is operationalized as part of a five-year government action plan (see Section 1.1.2). It is the product of an extensive consultation process: thousands of Quebecers participated in this exercise, either as representatives of organizations or as individuals.

This policy is designed to advance Quebec society by strengthening the arts and culture ecosystem, adapting interventions to the digital age and opening up to other dimensions. For example, cultural recreation, amateur practice, volunteer work, land-use planning and cultural heritage conservation are given greater prominence, which will help them become more integrated into the cultural system.

As its name suggests, the cultural policy is intended to ensure the presence and vitality of Quebec culture everywhere: in all regions of Quebec, in the lives of the entire population, on the international scene and in the digital universe.

Various turning points, including the adoption of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2005, underlie the principles on which this cultural policy is based: the essential role of culture; the affirmation of Quebec's Francophone character; universal access to, participation in and contribution to culture; and the autonomy of creation and freedom of expression and information.

The cultural policy is built around four major directions that reflect the government's vision of the place of culture in society. These directions are based on the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, environmental and economic dimensions. They are closely interrelated and interdependent in their design and implementation:

1. Contribute to individual and collective development through culture
This direction focuses on recognizing the essential character of French culture and the French language in the lives of individuals and communities, in part by acknowledging their inextricable link with education. The Government of Quebec aspires to ensure that everyone can access, participate in and contribute significantly to a rich and inclusive Quebec cultural life.

2. Shape an environment conducive to the creation and dissemination of arts and culture
Under this direction, the government renews its support for professional artists, creators and cultural workers, industries and organizations. The aim is to enable them to better reflect the evolution and diversity of artistic and cultural forms of expression and to be the standard-bearers of Quebec creativity in Quebec, Canada and abroad.

3. Enhance the relationship between culture and the territory
This direction takes into account the diversity of the regions and advocates equity in interventions. The government aims to ensure that the involvement of communities, the presence of cultural institutions and organizations, and heritage conservation contribute to the quality of living environments. The inclusion of cultural concerns in land-use planning is seen as an asset. Lastly, this direction clearly reaffirms the major role of municipal partners, the provincial capital (Quebec), the metropolis (Montreal) and Indigenous communities that are actively involved in culture.

4. Increase the contribution of culture and communications to the economy and development of Quebec
This direction focuses on creating favourable conditions for culture to contribute to the full development of a creative, innovative and prosperous society. Its aim is twofold: (1) continuous adaptation by communities to the transformations brought about by rapid technological change, and (2) the discovery and visibility of Quebec culture in a globalized world. To these ends, the Government of Quebec intends to support the growth of cultural entrepreneurship, encourage partnerships and foster skills development.

Specific commitments with respect to Indigenous peoples
To illustrate the importance that the Government of Quebec attaches to the cultures of the First Nations and the Inuit nation, the government's priorities for them are set out in a separate section. Located near the beginning of the document, this section identifies commitments that take into account the history and contemporary lifestyles of Quebec's 11 Indigenous nations. Indigenous people also benefit from the other ideas presented in this policy and its associated action plan.