Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter
At least four farm silos are set to become giant canvasses as part of the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s Circuit des Fresques sur Silos et Bâtiments Agricoles this summer.
The regional network of murals painted on farm structures has been in development for several years. The MRC’s cultural coordinator, Nancy Brunelle, says the reason for this is that “A complex project of this scale requires a lot of planning, multi-level management, and coordination with a considerable number of people.”
Unique in Quebec, the project has been the subject of several consultations, including a gathering in Ormstown last December, where the local agricultural community was introduced to the concept as well representatives from Ohisse, the social design firm mandated by the MRC to manage the initiative.
At least 18 area producers indicated they were interested in the project following the initial meeting, and three 15-year contracts have now been signed with farmers as part of the first phase. The first silos to be painted will involve the municipalities of Franklin, Très-Saint-Sacrement, and Saint-Chrysostome to create the first of three anticipated loops.
Two concrete silos at the Ferme Sylvain et Pascal Vincent Inc. in Franklin were the first to be selected for the project.Following a call for tenders, the Montreal-based ArtduCommun collective of professional artists with experience in creating large-format contemporary murals has been hired to work with the Vincent family to determine the subject, theme, and content of the artwork to appear on their silo. Calls have also been issued for the two other silos as well.
Brunelle says the MRC has budgeted more than $100,000 per mural for the largest concrete silos, while smaller metal silos are expected to cost less to complete. The project is being funded as part of an agreement between the MRC and the Ministère des Affaires Municipals et de l’Habitation as part of the Fonds Régions et Ruralité-component three funds dedicated to signature innovation.
The MRC is estimating it will take up to a month to finalize the conceptualization and design for each mural and at least another month for production on site, depending on how well the weather cooperates.
Brunelle confirms that apart from the use of their silos and property during the production stage, the participating farms are not required to contribute financially to the project. Once completed, visitors will be able to appreciate the artwork from afar or up close at the participating farms.
“The MRC wants to showcase local farmers and agricultural practices while highlighting attractions, businesses, and companies located nearby,” Brunelle explained, noting the regional government is also looking to enhance its cultural tourism offering while promoting the Haut-Saint-Laurent. The MRC is also hoping the massive murals will also have a positive impact on region’s economic development.
A second phase including several more silos is scheduled to take place during the summer of 2026, and the MRC expects a third phase will also be necessary to complete additional murals on different agricultural buildings to complete the circuit.