Today, November 29, the Conseil des arts et de la Culture de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (CACVS) and its partners announced the five winners of the TRACE program, 2023-2024 edition. 

Thanks to the ongoing commitment of program partners, five emerging artists will launch their exhibitions in 2024.

This year, the regional artists selected are Jade Cousineau (Saint-Clet), Véronique Dubé (Saint-Zotique), Julie Martel ( Saint-Lazare). 

A new partnership with the Roussillon MRC will enable two artists, Valérie Trudel (Candiac) and Sylvie Lavallée (Mercier), to exhibit at Maison Le Pailleur et du Gueulart.

"Participation in TRACE acts as a catalyst for the artistic careers of the winning artists, and over the years we've seen the tangible impact TRACE has had on their professional careers. This program testifies to the concrete action of the CACVS in its community, and we are pleased to continue supporting emerging artists in collaboration with cultural professionals and municipal stakeholders," said Julie Lemieux, Mayor of Très-Saint-Rédempteur and President of the CACVS.

Christian Dubé, mayor of Delson and prefect of the MRC de Roussillon, was absent from the unveiling, but made a point of noting that: "We are fortunate to have talented artists whose works deserve to be exhibited and seen by the general public. That's why the Roussillon MRC Council is very proud to contribute to the development of the next generation of visual artists through this program."

Once again this year, the Maison Trestler, the Pavillon Wilson in Coteau-du-Lac and the Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges will host exhibitions, a partnership warmly welcomed by the President of the CACVS.

The exhibitions

The first vernissage of the 6th edition of TRACE will take place at Coteau-du-Lac's Pavillon Wilson on Thursday, March 14, at 5 p.m., and will feature works by Clétoise artist Jade Cousineau.

On March 15, at 6pm, Sylvie Lavallée (Mercier) will hold her vernissage at Le Gueulart in Saint-Isidore.

On March 17, at 2 p.m., Véronique Dubé (Zotiquienne) will hold her vernissage at the Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

On March 20, at 5 p.m., Valérie Trudel will hold her vernissage at Maison le Pailleur.

Finally, on March 21, Julie Martel will open her exhibition at Maison Trestler. 

The TRACE project

Designed to support the practice and development of emerging artists, the TRACE program has three components. Firstly, each of the selected artists will benefit from the services of a professional curator to prepare the solo exhibition she will present in one of the five partner venues.

In addition to the exhibition, each winner will receive a professional photo shoot, and participate in an individualized professional development program. Exhibitions will also be featured online in the CACVS virtual gallery.

The services offered to each winning artist as part of TRACE are worth an estimated $3,000, plus a $650 bursary.

"We're looking forward to another great edition of this wonderful TRACE project this year. The candidates are delighted to be part of this cohort, and we'll be presenting some very interesting exhibitions in each of the venues," concludes curator Chantal Séguin.