Research and knowledge transfer
HEC Montréal involved in establishing the Observatory for Independent Culture and Artistic Festivals
December 11, 2025
HEC Montréal is among the university partners that will collaborate on the research work conducted by the Observatory for Independent Culture and Artistic Festivals. Born from an initiative of the Regroupement des festivals régionaux artistiques indépendants [Association of independent regional artistic festivals] (REFRAIN), this new space for research, analysis and reflection will be dedicated to the understanding and sustainable development of the independent cultural sector in Quebec.
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University partners and representatives from REFRAIN and the Government of Canada at the launch of the Observatory.
The Observatory was launched at HEC Montréal on December 1, 2025, in the presence of Madeleine Chenette, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Sport). Ms. Chenette confirmed a $200,000 financial contribution from the Government of Canada to support the implementation of this innovative project over the next two years.
Partnership between research and practice
By bringing together the academic and independent cultural communities, REFRAIN aims to gain a better understanding of the economic, social and cultural transformations currently affecting artistic festivals and events in Quebec.
Starting this winter, the Observatory will begin its research and analysis work in collaboration with the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and the École nationale d’administration publique (ÉNAP), in addition to HEC Montréal, through the Carmelle and Rémi Marcoux Chair in Arts Management.
“At HEC Montréal, we believe that knowledge and learning are definite drivers of resilience. This Observatory clearly represents our commitment to using this knowledge for the benefit of culture and society, thereby enabling us collectively to have stronger and more resilient cultural organizations in the face of challenges ahead.”
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Caroline Aubé, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer at HEC Montréal
Analyzing the ecosystem and impact of independent festivals in Quebec
The research project that the Chair will develop with REFRAIN shall be conducted under the supervision of Professors Danilo Dantas and Renaud Legoux, who both specialize in the management of cultural organizations. Their work will be divided into two parts.
- Mobilization of existing data
The research teams will build upon existing studies, in addition to collecting new data from REFRAIN members. The purpose of this first part is to create the clearest and most comprehensive image possible of the festival environment. - The impact of festivals, beyond economics
Case studies will be conducted to analyze several festivals. The aim will be to identify the internal and external dynamics that contribute to their long-term success.
In other words, the research project will combine quantitative data and qualitative analyzes to provide a comprehensive view of the contribution of independent festivals. The results will be published in scientific journals and reports intended for the Quebec cultural management community. Festivals will also be able to use them as tools in their efforts to promote their role in the Quebec and Canadian artistic and social ecosystem.
