LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

In a significant shift for Quebec’s cultural landscape, Mathieu Lacombe, the province’s Minister
of Culture and Communications, announced the termination of the “Espaces Bleus” network.
This move has prompted Culture Outaouais to call on the government to redirect its planned
investments toward bolstering the cultural sector in the region.

The “Espaces Bleus” initiative, initially lauded for its ambition to highlight heritage buildings and
regional culture, faced criticism over its execution and potential overlap with existing cultural
institutions. Concerns about the network’s impact on the already fragile financial state of
regional museums led to a re-evaluation of its efficacy.

In response to the closure, Benjamin Boulet, Interim Communications Manager for Culture
Outaouais, expressed the organization’s stance, “Culture Outaouais invites the Quebec
government to redirect its planned investments to consolidate the cultural sector. In Outaouais,
due to underfunding, we have significant needs in terms of cultural infrastructure such as
libraries, museums, and performance halls.”

Boulet also emphasized the anticipated effects of the decision on the region’s cultural projects
and institutions, stating, “We hope that the unused balance of the initial sum of $36.8 million
over five years for the operation of the ‘Espaces Bleus’ (across Quebec) will be redirected to
local needs.”

As for plans to mitigate any negative impacts or capitalize on potential opportunities arising from
the redirection of funds, Boulet mentioned, “We will continue our representations to position the
cultural projects carried out by the community and provide concrete solutions for catching up.”

Photo: The closure of the ‘Espaces Bleus’ network and fund redirection highlight the need for
adaptability and collaboration to foster a vibrant cultural landscape in unique regions like
Outaouais. (TF) Photo screenshot of Minister Lacombe on the ‘Espaces Bleus’ initiative – April
25, 2023, on YouTube