International commitments related to culture between the Government of Quebec and foreign partners (international cooperation)
On a bilateral level, over 30 international multi-sectoral (including a cultural component) or sectorial (specific to culture) commitments have been agreed between the Government of Quebec and foreign partners since the 1960s. These commitments, which are still in force, mainly help to implement cooperation activities and projects defined together with both the states and governments involved.
The purpose of these commitments is mainly to help conclude lasting collaborations between Quebec and its partners (e.g. France, Catalonia [Spain], Wallonia-Brussels [Belgium], Flanders [Belgium], Bavaria [Germany], British Council [United Kingdom], Italy and Shandong [China]) to promote the co-creation and co-dissemination, encourage expertise, experience and information sharing, and facilitate the mobility of artists as well as cultural goods and services of both partners. This all includes creation, production, distribution and dissemination, and applies to sectors of activity as diverse as the performing arts, literature, film and music. The way they are implemented differs from commitment to commitment, although they are generally entrusted to working groups made up of representatives from both parties. These groups meet every one to two years. Between 2012 and 2015, eight new international commitments were agreed between Quebec and:
- France (cooperation agreement and statement of intent);
- Maine (United States) (cooperation agreement);
- Vermont (United States) (cooperation agreement);
- the African Union Goint statement);
- the French Community of Belgium Qoint statement);
- Mexico (coordination and cooperation agreement-framework);
- Mexico City (joint statement).
The results expected vary from program to program. Nevertheless, they must generally:
- involve at least one foreign partner and one Quebec partner;
- be undertaken jointly, on both territories, according to the reciprocity and mutual commitment principle for financing and concrete benefits;
- foster a long-term dialogue between Quebec and the foreign government or state;
- provide cultural structure and involve significant benefits for both partners;
- help establish cultural product or service creation, dissemination and marketing or facilitate access to these;
- encourage the development of special skills in cultural sectors.
Ministere de la Culture et des Communications (2014-2015): 18 supported projects.
Ministere des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie (2014-2015): 53 supported projects.
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