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CALQ Unveils 2026–2031 International Action Plan to Support Quebec’s Cultural Sector

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) has launched its new International Action Plan for 2026–2031, aiming to strengthen the success conditions of Quebec’s cultural community through targeted initiatives and significant investments.

On October 27, 2026, the CALQ revealed its International Action Plan for 2026–2031, designed to enhance the international presence and professional development of Quebec’s artists and cultural organizations. This plan follows an extensive consultation process conducted in winter 2026, which involved 232 artists, writers, and curators, alongside 90 artistic organizations and about 40 meetings with cultural and institutional partners.

The plan outlines eight concrete actions, including supporting international mobility, developing professional expertise, reinforcing collaborative networks, diversifying CALQ’s residency offerings, consolidating collective presence missions, and increasing the discoverability of Quebec works abroad. Over the next five years, CALQ intends to invest more than 60 million dollars to realize these objectives.

An open call for applications is currently underway for artists in visual arts, music, and crafts, with submissions accepted until January 21. Additionally, CALQ plans to evolve its familiarization missions at major global artistic events into immersive professional pathways. These initiatives aim to provide participants with deeper opportunities to build networks, understand target markets, and foster sustainable collaborations.

Strategic events targeted for this approach include the Festival d'Avignon, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Venice Biennale. CALQ’s broader mandate supports creation, experimentation, production, and dissemination of arts and letters across Quebec, annually funding over 1,800 artist projects and 900 nonprofit arts organizations.

This new international plan reflects CALQ’s commitment to expanding Quebec’s cultural reach and enhancing the professional capacities of its artistic community on the global stage.

Why it matters

The CALQ’s International Action Plan 2026–2031 represents a significant investment in Quebec’s cultural sector, aiming to boost international exposure and professional growth for artists and organizations. By fostering global collaborations and enhancing access to key international events, the plan seeks to strengthen Quebec’s cultural influence and support sustainable development within the arts community.

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CALQ Unveils 2026–2031 International Action Plan to Support Quebec’s Cultural Sector — NEOARCA