#39 Partner spotlight: Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)
50 opportunities for 50 years
Since its inception in 1994, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) has been active in developing a network of centres devoted to creation, production and refresher stints offered to artists and writers to enable them to pursue their work under professional conditions. In collaboration with partners in Québec and abroad, it now offers 50 residencies in 39 studios and studio-apartments around the world. The CALQ supports, throughout Québec, artistic and literary research and creation, experimentation and production. Moreover, it is playing a key role in enhancing the impact of the arts and literature both in Québec and beyond its borders.
In 2008-2009, in partnership with Québec's Ministry of Culture and Communications and the Ministry of International Relations and the Francophonie, and on the recommendation of Arts Council England, Conseil des arts et des lettres (CALQ) approached Acme to establish the Québec Studio in London, thereby expanding the network of residencies offered abroad to Québec artists and writers. The residency provides two six-month long residencies per year in east London for artists who have at least 10 years' experience of professional practice. Applications and selection are undertaken directly by CALQ.
Over 20 artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers have benefited from the programme since it’s inception. The current resident is Daniel Barrow. Past residents include: Antoine Bustros, Martin Désilets, Geneviève Chevalier, Bertrand Carrière, Alexis Martin, Catherine Sheedy, Genevieve Billette, Lucie Bazzo, Daniel Canty, Sophie Jodoin, Mathieu Beausejour, Dil Hildebrand, Lynda Gaudreau, Helene Lord, Francois Carrier, Jeffrey Moore, Michel de Broin, Alexander MacSween, and Christian Quesnel.