Jacques Matte - Compagnon des arts et des lettres du Québec
On May 29, 2023, Jacques Matte received the insignia of the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, a prestigious distinction bestowed to personalities whose exemplary achievements contribute to the artistic and literary development of Quebec. Discover the tribute paid to him by the Council.
Born in Montréal, Jacques Matte has dedicated his life to establishing flagship organizations in his adoptive region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Embodying sustainable cultural development, he directed the Théâtre du cuivre for 35 years, managed Les Arts et la Ville, and fostered the production and shooting of films outside major centres.
A dynamic show promoter, he brought both Ginette Reno and Mohamed Ali to Rouyn-Noranda. His innovative, much-admired management approach is studied at HEC Montréal, citing the example of the International Film Festival in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, which he cofounded in 1982 with Louis Dallaire and Guy Parent.
United in their love of cinema, these three musketeers of cultural dissemination work in symbiosis. The enlightened leadership of chairman Jacques Matte is supported by the financial acumen of secretary-treasurer Guy Parent and the communication talent of Louis Dallaire.
Their complementary strengths have enabled the screening of work from over 3,500 actors and filmmakers whose works of fiction, documentary, and animation have been a wonderful addition to the region’s film offer. The festival was recognized for its artistic and socioeconomic contribution and has carved out an international reputation for the quality of its programming and welcoming style.
The popular event has attracted to Abitibi both prominent figures and emerging film artists, such as Denys Arcand, Paule Baillargeon, Claude Lelouch, Sophie Deraspe, Denis Villeneuve, and Louise Archambault.
About the 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 is a distinction of the Council which aims to honor people who have made a remarkable contribution, through their commitment and dedication, to the development, promotion or influence of the arts and letters of Quebec. .
The Council would like to thank its partners, the Caisse de la Culture and the newspaper Le Devoir.
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