Call for candidacies for the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), in cooperation with the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture, is issuing its annual call for candidacies for the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, a prestigious honour awarded to luminaries who have made an outstanding contribution to enriching Québec’s cultural life.

“The Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec is a happy family that has grown over the years thanks to the outstanding people who have joined its ranks. In cooperation with our valued partner, the Caisse Desjardins de la culture, we would like to invite the public and arts communities to submit candidacies of people who are uniquely dedicated to enriching, promoting, and revolutionizing Québec culture.” - Sylvain Lafrance, Chair, Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec

“For many years, recognizing artistic and cultural excellence has been part of the Caisse de la Culture’s commitment to its community. This is why we are once again pleased to join this celebration of the inspiring journeys of luminaries from the cultural and creative world through the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec.” - Marie-Christine Cojocaru, General Manager, Caisse de la Culture

A great honour

Those chosen will receive an honorary insignia at a ceremony taking place in spring 2024. With this honour, the CALQ celebrates artists, professional writers, and the people who support and encourage them, such as patrons, arts managers, cultural workers, and teachers.

It underlines their incredible contribution to the development, promotion, and visibility of the arts and literature in Québec, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec is not accompanied by any financial award.

Submitting candidacies

Candidacies must be submitted by a third party – an individual or on behalf of an organization – by October 13, 2023.

Simply complete the form and provide the following documents:
•    a letter of support from a person or an organization recognized in Québec arts and literature 
•    a curriculum vitae and short bio of the candidate

Details and the form are available on the CALQ website This link will open in a new window.

Access the call for candidacies This link will open in a new window

About the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) invests in the imagination and celebrates the successes of those who create memorable works, shape Québec’s cultural identity, and make it shine. With a view to equitable, sustainable artistic development, the CALQ supports creation, experimentation, and production in the arts and literature in all regions of Québec and promotes dissemination in Québec, Canada, and abroad.

Every year, the CALQ financially supports some 1500 artists and 800 non-profit arts organizations, contributing to the expression of a vibrant culture accessible across Québec. It encourages landmark artistic and literary works that generate pride among citizens, nourish our culture, and above all, create a timeless imprint.

About the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture

An ally to artists, a driver of the cultural economy, and a springboard for organizations and entrepreneurs, the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture is a financial cooperative with deep roots in the community. For the past 25 years, it has been supporting artists, artisans, and self-employed workers in their personal and professional projects, offering cultural businesses and organizations financial services adapted to their needs, and participating in the socioeconomic development of the cultural milieu by supporting structuring efforts and projects.