A region of breathtaking beauty, Baie-Saint-Paul has remained a haven for artists and artisans for over a century – an exceptionally fertile ground for exploration and creation. The 28th Symposium, themed Union Makes Us Strong, honours the area’s diverse artistic communities past and present, and reveals the long lasting influence of traditional craft on the cutting edge art of today.

Conscientiously hand-made, and often subversive, the arts and crafts of the artisans of yesteryear still have a particular hold on many contemporary artists working today, who share with them the ardent desire to push materials into new forms. Not so much concerned by how craft can be deformed by artists, this edition of the symposium explores how it can be reformed and reclaimed once again, in a communal space, to break the disciplinary boundaries that have historically kept artists and artisans apart.

A rare glimpse into some of the contemporary art practices emanating from various regions of Canada and the United States, the symposium involves artists and collectives who have each, in their own way, pushed the boundaries of their art. By bringing together artists, artisans and art enthusiasts from a multitude of generations and perspectives, the symposium becomes a true meeting ground, a space where knowledge, traditions and ideas can be shared.

Stefan St-Laurent
Guest Curator