The Ordre des arts et des lettres: 10 Compagnes and Compagnons honoured

Daniel Bélanger, Lorraine Desmarais, Jacques Fournier, D. Kimm, Diane Landry, Michel Levasseur, Manuel Mathieu, Mireille Métellus, Louis-Karl Picard-Sioui and Victor Quijada received the title of Compagnes and Compagnons of the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, an honour presented by Sophie Prégent, chair of the CALQ’s board of directors and the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec.

Moving video tributes were presented for each of the recipients, showcasing their outstanding contribution to Québec’s cultural landscape.

With Sophie Fouron’s warm, sensitive hosting style, the ceremony was held in the Espace Orange at the Wilder Building and brought together members of the arts community, dignitaries and recipients’ friends and family.

“The Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on luminaries whose talent, passion and community enrich our culture every day. Welcome to the Compagnes and Compagnons who are joining this distinguished family. This well-deserved honour is a wonderful way to celebrate their incredible careers.”
- Sophie Prégent

“Celebrating people of exception, yesterday’s ceremony was a wonderful reminder of how much arts and literature are a driver of meaning, dialogue and transformation in a constantly evolving society. The know-how and vision of the Compagnes and Compagnons honoured last night is further testimony to the rich culture that emerges when we support and value the people who shape it. On behalf of the CALQ, I would like to express my admiration and recognition for their invaluable contribution to our culture.”
- Véronique Fontaine, President and Executive Director, CALQ

See photos of the evening This link will open in a new window

L’Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec

The Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec This link will open in a new window pays tribute to artists, writers, teachers, cultural managers and patrons whose outstanding achievements contribute to Québec’s artistic and literary development. This honour is symbolized by an original insignia, designed by the jewellery artist Christine Dwane. Since it was instituted, 177 luminaries who have left their mark on Québec arts and literature have been welcomed into this incredible family.

See the full list of recipients

Conseil de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec 

Compagnes and Compagnons are recommended by the Conseil de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, a jury that evaluates nominations received in response to an annual call for candidates. The recommendations are ratified by the CALQ’s board of directors.

This year, the jury was made up of Anne-Marie Blouin, Michel Dallaire, Karla Etienne, Monique Giroux, Pierre Thibault and Jocelyn Robert.

About the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture, official partner of the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec

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 30 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.

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) has been investing in the imagination and celebrating the success 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.

The CALQ would like to thank the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture, main partner, and Le Devoir, media partner, for their invaluable cooperation.