CA · International contemporary art platformOn October 27, 2026, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) presented its International Action Plan for 2026-2031. The plan sets out eight specific actions to support international mobility, develop professional expertise, and reinforce collaborative networks in the arts sector.
Over the next five years, CALQ will invest more than 60 million Canadian dollars to realize these objectives. The plan also seeks to diversify CALQ’s residency offerings, consolidate collective presence missions, and increase the discoverability of Quebecois works internationally.
The plan was shaped by broad consultations held in winter 2026. These involved 232 artists, writers, and curators, as well as 90 arts organizations, and included about 40 meetings with cultural and institutional partners. The consultations highlighted major changes in the international context, including rising costs, more complex market access, evolving entry and stay requirements, changes in distribution networks, geopolitical tensions, and challenges in promoting Quebecois works abroad.
In response to these developments, CALQ’s plan aims to address the new realities facing artists seeking to export and circulate their work globally. Currently, a call for applications is open until January 21 for artists in visual arts, music, and crafts.
Quebec has built a strong reputation on the global cultural stage over several decades, thanks to the talent of its artists and the support of dedicated organizations. CALQ’s new plan is designed to adapt to the increasingly complex international environment and continue supporting the development and visibility of Quebec’s arts worldwide.
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