New investments in culture in the 2022-2023 Quebec budget

The Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) is pleased to see that the Government of Quebec is reinvesting in culture and its recovery. Our needs for support over the next several years have been duly heard and the RQD is eager to continue the discussion with the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) and the Ministry of Culture and Communications (MCC) in order to specifically determine what amounts will be invested in dance and how.

The budget unveiled by the Minister of Finance on Tuesday, March 22 spreads out its spending until 2026-2027 and provides for an additional investment of $257.9 million in the recovery and promotion of Quebec culture.

Three main areas will guide the provincial government’s investments for the recovery of the cultural sector and the valorisation of heritage in 2022-2023:

• Support for the cultural sector to offset the effects of COVID-19: $72.1 million
• Making the cultural sector shine: $157.4 million
• Preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage: $28.4 million

The envelope dedicated to Supporting the cultural sector to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 includes in particular:

• The extension of support measures for the presentation of Québec shows.
• Increased operation support for organizations currently supported by the Ministry of Culture and Communications.
• A contribution to the Emergency Fund for Artists and Cultural Workers in the Performing Arts – La Fondation des artistes.
• The implementation and support of initiatives that promote culture through large-scale promotion, creation, production and distribution initiatives.

• Offering additional targeted support to the most affected cultural disciplines: $136.6 million is planned over the next three years, including $78 million for the programs of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.
• Inciting the public to choose Québec arts through an envelope of $15 million, of which $9 million will be devoted to the promotion of Québec culture.
• Making permanent the tax credit for a first major cultural donation.

As soon as we get details on the financial allocations in dance, we will keep you informed.

Source: Budget 2022-2023 – Plan budgétaire, p.194 (in French).