Quebec culture is a pillar of collective identity, but it faces many challenges. The decline in funding and the impact of US platforms are threatening its influence. This difficult context particularly affects young people, who may lose touch with their cultural heritage. Why is support for culture, especially among young people, so critical? Let’s discover the issues and possible ways to remedy them.
Funding for cultural organizations is reduced
Recent data reveals a major concern: between 2022 and 2024, budgets allocated to cultural organizations fell by an average of 35%. Despite a $15 million government subsidy for 2024-2025, these amounts are considered insufficient by cultural actors. This reduction directly affects educational programs, shows and workshops, making culture less accessible to young people.
When you cut in these areas, the first ones affected are small organizations. Yet they play a key role in transmitting oral traditions and organizing local artistic activities. Without stable funding, these initiatives disappear, leaving a void for future generations.
Impact of US platforms on local culture
Another major obstacle is the competition from digital giants like Netflix, Spotify or TikTok. These platforms dominate the attention of youth and offer content that is predominantly in English. Result: exposure to Quebec culture decreases. Young people are overwhelmed by international productions, relegating music, cinema and Quebec literature to the background.
Without concerted efforts to promote our local content, a large proportion of young people may grow up without understanding or appreciating the importance of their own culture. This challenge is not only cultural, but also identity.
Role of cultural organizations in youth engagement
Despite the challenges, some initiatives try to keep young people connected to Quebec culture. For example, regional festivals invite local schools to participate in events free of charge, offering an immersive cultural experience. Other programs, such as writing or theatre workshops, enable young people to become themselves actors on the cultural scene. These initiatives show that youth engagement is possible, but they remain too little widespread and underfunded.
To modernize access to culture, the idea of a digital cultural passport is gaining in popularity. This arrangement would give young people free or reduced access to Quebec shows, museums or films. By integrating culture into their digital lives, it would be easier to generate interest. This type of tool could also work as a centralized platform to discover local events.
Imagine a 16-year-old receiving a notification for a free concert from an artist in his or her area. This simple gesture could turn a common weekend into a memorable cultural experience.
Promote local artists in schools
Funding is the key to the solution. Without resources, no initiative is viable. It is crucial that the government not only increase budgets, but also target schools and disadvantaged communities. Programmes that integrate culture into the school curriculum would allow young people to explore it at an early age.
Another way is to invite local artists into schools. Musicians, writers or actors could organize workshops, sharing their career and passion. Not only does it stimulate young people’s creativity, but it also gives artists visibility and allows them to break into their own market.
These initiatives would bring young people closer to their culture while creating a circular economy for Quebec artists.
The lack of support for Quebec culture is a reality that can no longer be ignored. If nothing is done, an entire generation may grow up disconnected from its own cultural identity. Increasing funding, modernizing access to culture and involving young people through practical programmes are key solutions. The link between youth and Quebec culture deserves to be strengthened now to ensure a rich and diverse future in Quebec.
Culture is not just a luxury or a distraction; it is a mirror of who we are. It is time to act so that we do not lose this precious reflection.
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