Ready to Grow Your Art Career? Discover Artist-Run Centres in Quebec

Finding opportunities as an emerging artist can feel overwhelming. How do you gain professional experience, build meaningful connections, exhibit your work, and become part of the contemporary art community? If you’re looking for practical ways to advance your artistic career, Ready to Grow Your Art Career? Discover Artist-Run Centres in Quebec will introduce you to one of the most valuable resources available to emerging visual artists today.

Artist-run centres play a vital role in Quebec’s contemporary arts ecosystem. These unique organizations provide artists with opportunities to create, collaborate, experiment, exhibit, and grow professionally in spaces that exist outside the traditional commercial gallery system. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an emerging artist, or looking to deepen your involvement in the visual arts sector, understanding how artist-run centres operate can help open doors throughout your career.

What Are Artist-Run Centres?

Artist-run centres are non-profit organizations managed by artists for artists. Built on values such as participation, experimentation, innovation, and artistic freedom, they support the creation, presentation, and advancement of contemporary art while fostering inclusive and collaborative artistic communities.

Unlike commercial galleries, artist-run centres focus on artistic development rather than sales. They provide access to exhibition spaces, professional networks, equipment, specialized resources, artist residencies, production opportunities, research initiatives, and professional development activities designed to support artists at every stage of their careers.

Why Emerging Artists Should Pay Attention

Many artists struggle to find opportunities to exhibit their work, access mentorship, or gain the professional experience needed to advance their careers. Artist-run centres help fill that gap by creating supportive environments where artists can take creative risks, explore new ideas, and develop sustainable artistic practices.

Build Your Professional Network

Learn how artist-run centres connect artists with curators, cultural workers, organizations, and fellow creators across Quebec’s contemporary art sector.

Access Valuable Resources

Discover opportunities to access exhibition spaces, production facilities, specialized equipment, residencies, workshops, and professional development programs.

Develop a Sustainable Artistic Practice

Explore how participation in artist-run centres can help strengthen your artistic practice, increase visibility, and support your long-term career goals.

What You’ll Learn

• The role artist-run centres play in Quebec’s contemporary art ecosystem
• How artist-run centres support emerging visual artists
• The benefits of exhibitions, residencies, and professional development programs
• How to access resources and opportunities available through artist-run centres
• Practical ways to become involved in the contemporary art community

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed primarily for visual artists working in contemporary art who want to better understand the opportunities available through Quebec’s artist-run centre network.

Meet the Speaker

Join Renata Paciullo Ribeiro, EDI Development and Partnerships Manager at RCAAQ | Regroupement des centres d’artistes autogérés du Québec, for an informative exploration of artist-run centres and their role in supporting artistic growth, professional development, and creative innovation.

Reserve Your Spot

Whether you’re just beginning your artistic journey or looking for new ways to advance your career, this workshop will provide practical insights into the opportunities, resources, and communities that can help you thrive in the contemporary art world.

📩 Pre‑registration is required. This workshop is presented in English and is available as an online, live‑streaming webinar.

To learn more about our services for Artists, click here.