MINUTES - PUBLIC – ARTS, CULTURE, LETTERS AND HERITAGE COMMISSION (CACLP)

Overhaul of the Cultural Organization Support Program (PSOC), validation of new guidelines – Reflection and positioning

The proposal for new guidelines for the Programme de soutien aux organismes culturels (PSOC) was presented to CACLP members by Sonia Bisson, project coordinator at the Service des arts, de la culture et des lettres (SACL). As the projected document underwent minor adjustments, the modified version will be forwarded to members.

Discussion Period

Thanks and congratulations were extended to the SACL regarding the presentation and work accomplished to date. The Chair informed CACLP members that a brief from theatre companies regarding the PSOC overhaul had been received and would be forwarded to them by correspondence. The Chair noted the presence of public observers. She indicated that, given the nature of the file, public interventions would be taken following the presentation.

Peer or Cultural Expert Jury

The question of a potential peer or cultural expert jury is of interest to members and raises several questions, including the disciplines represented, the procedures and selection of experts, as well as their recognition by the cultural community. It was mentioned that cultural recreation and professional artistic practice must be represented, as they have their own specificities. An in-depth discussion will need to take place in due course.

Sound Governance and Financial Health - Balanced Budget

Several people emphasized the importance of basing criteria on a balanced budget (revenues and expenses). Penalizing organizations based on their unrestricted net assets represents an issue. It was mentioned that it seems unrealistic for all cultural organizations to have such a high unrestricted contingency fund (25-50% is too high). This element should be removed and replaced by a fairer criterion regarding the assessment or observation of overall financial health, namely the organization's budget balance. For some small cultural organizations, the City is sometimes the primary or only funder. It is important not to add budget-related obstacles; the operating budget remains the most important. Evaluating the percentage of debt (excluding capital assets) is an option to explore. It was also brought to the SACL's attention that if organizations had unrestricted funds, these funds would likely have consequences with certain funders, including Patrimoine canadien. A reimbursement of part of their grant could be required, depending on the case.

Quality of the Offer

The criterion of the quality of the offer was discussed. Emphasis was placed on the fact that quality should not be synonymous exclusively with innovation. Creation can be part of it, but quality also refers to impact, response to a need, and the public's appreciation of the current offer. Originality must not discriminate against the regular offer of organizations, which is important for Gatineau residents. The weighting must reflect this. Key concepts (e.g., originality) should also be clarified and defined, and it should be identified whether it is more a question of quality or quantity, for example.

Cultural Offer for the Gatineau Public, by Local Actors

The criterion of the offer involving a high percentage of artists or people working in culture from Gatineau is appreciated. Its application and flexibility were discussed. There was talk of organizations that wish to be 60% responsible for their offer but sometimes have to resort to production from outside the City. The regional reality, including the question of the head office location, as well as the specificities related to certain specializations (e.g., theatre or dance companies with national and international reach), should be included. Sound governance is also to be prioritized. Regarding the membership criterion, it is suggested to make distinctions based on the type of organization; for example, authors' associations and broadcasting organizations have their own specificities regarding member participation.

The Service explained that currently, the criterion is already mostly met. This 60% is a criterion to ensure that the organization does not delegate its programming to an external supplier and that it is more responsible for what it produces, seeks, and creates in Gatineau. The SACL emphasizes that the PSOC exists for Gatineau organizations working within the city territory without exclusion of reach. The wish is still that the majority of the offer be here.

Seasonality

It was mentioned that some organizations are only active in the summer, or only during a short or long period in the year (e.g., 6 months). These organizations would not meet the current criterion requiring them to have an offer available year-round. This should be adjusted.

Multi-year Support

The possibility of obtaining multi-year support for the continuation of the cultural organization's activities is a need. This aspect is important and consistent with discussions emanating from the cultural community. Simple accountability is also essential and would be appreciated by organizations.

Strategic Planning

The Service specified that it is not necessary for the duration of the organizations' strategic planning to be 3 years; it could be 4 or even 5 years. An adjustment will be made.

Eco-responsible Practices

A comment was made to the effect that many organizations are already deploying eco-responsible practices. Some will simply have to continue their already high standards in this area. Others may have to set clearer objectives, leading them to develop, with support, this type of practice. Attention must be paid to the venues hosting the cultural offer, where managers must be exemplary and provide the necessary resources to properly meet the expectations of the organizations holding their offers, events, etc. there. This includes, among other things, the access and availability of equipment for recycling and composting.

Next Steps and Deliverables

Clarifications were requested regarding the projected scenarios, including the number, type, or new cultural organizations that could be supported by these proposed criteria. The comment also concerns possible exclusions and the possibility that organizations that have received PSOC support in the past have a guarantee of support or be prioritized. The SACL explained that their wish is to review the program and that no exclusion is planned or desired. Reflections are ongoing and will continue. The goal of the exchange at the CACLP is to nourish this reflection, together, to promote culture in Gatineau. A validation step is planned with cultural organizations in the community, both in terms of cultural recreation and professional artistic organizations. The history and context were briefly recalled. The Service specified that the revision and expansion of the PSOC will undoubtedly allow for alignment with the needs of the community, promote the sustainability of the offer, and facilitate the stability and development of organizations while strengthening the community.

Heritage

A member wondered why there is more talk about knowledge and conservation of cultural heritage and not about its enhancement. The Service took note and will add the notion of heritage enhancement.

Regional Scope

It was suggested that the PSOC criteria should be more inclusive rather than restrictive, particularly in terms of territory. Organizations with a regional scope should be eligible. Examples of the Musée régional de l’Outaouais and the Société d’histoire de l’Outaouais were put forward.

Public Interventions Following the Presentation

The public having been invited to intervene or ask questions following the presentation, Clara Lagacé, General Manager of Transistor Média and co-chair of Culture Outaouais, shared her observations. She explained that, in general, a bias is present in the reflection surrounding access to culture in Gatineau. For production organizations, the reach goes beyond Gatineau. The impact is also at the level of the cultural fabric and the sense of pride in having producers from Gatineau. The criteria regarding quality seem to refer to the improvement of activity or service programming. Being inclusive also means leaving room for broadcasting. Regarding the calendar, this criterion does not apply to production organizations (cultural creative industries). Consolidating the community is important. Current funding is necessary and must be increased since it is not sufficient to build solid and sustainable organizations. Better leverage is desired. The Service noted these observations regarding the PSOC criteria and thanked Clara Lagacé for her intervention.

The SACL explained to everyone that the request to revise the PSOC is expected as much from professional organizations and cultural recreation organizations as from municipal teams. The criteria used must be fair, non-discriminatory, and respect the specificities of the parties. The Chair invited the public, partners, and organizations to continue this reflection and to send their ideas or questions to the municipal teams by correspondence. The Service recalled the holding of validation activities soon. The presentation can be shared and allows for preparation for these workshops.

Information item regarding 2025 grants for cultural and event organizations

This information item was presented by Julie Lacroix, Head of Service - Animation and Diffusion, of the SACL. The service recalled that at the last municipal council meeting, the resolutions for the support programs were adopted. It was announced, within the framework of the Programme de soutien aux organismes culturels (PSOC), that $2,694,271 will be invested in 2025 and distributed as follows: $1,783,835 in financial grants and $910,436 in services (premises, insurance, etc.).

Grants totaling $350,000 were awarded to support 11 projects aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting cultural animation in strategic zones within the framework of the Fonds Gatineau 2025-2026 – Soutien à l’animation culturelle (FAC).

An envelope of $1,312,860 in financial support and $708,750 in services was adopted and will be shared between 24 major events recognized by the Bureau des événements (Programme de soutien aux grands événements and the Programme de soutien aux événements de moins de 50 000 $). This funding resolution is the 2nd of three resolutions for 2025 events.

Comment

A member wished to know why some files go directly through the municipal council (CM) and others are presented to the CACLP for recommendations to the CM.

The Service explained that the Commission does not make financial recommendations. This mandate belongs to the executive committee (recommendation) and the CM (adoption).