On November 28, the Conseil des arts et de la culture de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (CACVS) and its partners revealed the recipients of the TRACE program for the 2024-2025 edition. Thanks to the continued commitment of its partners, six emerging artists will take part in this seventh edition of the program.

Designed to support the practice and development of emerging artists, the TRACE program includes three components. First, each selected artist will benefit from the services of a professional exhibition curator to prepare their solo exhibition, which will be hosted at one of six partner venues.

In addition to the exhibition, each laureate will receive a professional photoshoot and participate in a tailored professional development program. The services provided to each recipient are valued at $3,000, plus a grant of $650.

Since 2018, TRACE has successfully showcased the talents of 22 emerging artists.

“This year, three artists from the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region, two from Roussillon, and one from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield will present their solo exhibitions starting next March,” announced CACVS Executive Director Nadine Maltais during the press conference.

The 2024-2025 TRACE Laureates:

Jacinthe Durand, from Saint-Lazare, will exhibit at Pavillon Wilson in Coteau-du-Lac. Her vernissage is scheduled for March 13.

Stéphane Falardeau, from Vaudreuil-Dorion, will showcase his work at the Musée régional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, with a vernissage on March 16.

Annika Diehl, from Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, will exhibit at Maison Trestler. Her vernissage is set for March 20.

Ghyslaine Payant, from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, will present her work at MUSO. The public can attend her vernissage on March 14.

Marie-Pier Gamache, from Châteauguay, will exhibit at Maison LePailleur, with her vernissage on March 19.

Jean-Philippe Vachon, from Mercier, will present his work at Gueulart, with a vernissage on March 21.

TRACE as a Career Catalyst

“The challenges faced by emerging artists are a priority for CACVS administrators, who have made supporting emerging talents one of the organization’s core actions, notably through programs like TRACE. Over the years, we have observed how participation in TRACE acts as a catalyst for the artistic careers of the laureates, with a tangible impact on their professional trajectories,” said Julie Lemieux, President of the CACVS. “This program reflects CACVS’s concrete action in its community, and we are pleased to continue supporting emerging artists alongside cultural professionals and municipal partners.”

New Faces and Partnerships

This year’s edition introduces several exciting changes.

Émilie Léger has been named the new exhibition curator, succeeding Chantal Séguin, who devoted 14 years to the TRACE program, helping artists benefit from her expertise. Léger will guide the laureates throughout the program and oversee the curation of the six exhibitions scheduled for March 2025.

“This year, we’re looking forward to another wonderful edition of TRACE. The selected artists are thrilled to be part of this cohort, and we anticipate highly engaging exhibitions at each venue,” noted Léger.

Additionally, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield joins TRACE as a partner for the first time, with the Musée de Société des Deux-Rives (MUSO) serving as its exhibition venue.

“We are proud to join the TRACE program this year and offer an exceptional opportunity to emerging artists from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield by allowing them to showcase their work in prestigious venues like MUSO,” said Pierre Crépeau, Cultural Life Coordinator for the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, on behalf of Mayor Miguel Lemieux. “What’s particularly exciting for us is this regional collaboration with neighboring MRCs. This initiative will not only equip the artist from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield with additional skills but also strengthen regional connections. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to culture and our dedication to spotlighting local talent.”