A nomination well-earned!

The selection of Saguenay as "2010 Cultural Capital of Canada" is the result of a long process. This exciting story started in the fall of 2007, when the City of Saguenay invited everyone from the arts and culture sector to a retreat called the Cultural Summit, held at the Musée du Fjord. It was at this time that the artistic and cultural organizations were invited to present activity project proposals for Saguenay's application for 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada. The request for proposals had also been made public on the Saguenay web site. All the proposals received were included in the application. United around the general theme of Memory Lane, these projects made up the basis of the documentation in order for Saguenay to be considered a candidate with the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Saguenay's application also served as a demonstration of the city's commitment to the arts and culture. To list the city features presented: the number of libraries, the foundation of the Council for the Arts in Saguenay, the Culture Education program, the program for cultural mediation "Éveille ma culture", the demonstration of recurrent funding by the arts and culture sector, the passing in 2003 of a cultural policy and an action plan for cultural development, the signing of several agreements on cultural development with the ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine, participation in the program "Cities and Villages of Art and Heritage" in each of the districts, which enabled the recruitment of three cultural development representatives, and the quantity and quality of cultural facilities. All of these factors convinced the independent jury that Saguenay deserved with good reason to be nominated cultural capital of the country.

Consequently, on August 24th, 2009, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced the official nomination of Saguenay as 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada. This designation is accompanied by a grant of 2 million dollars, along with a $725 000 investment by the City of Saguenay. In addition to the contributions made by event partners, the total budget exceeds 3.1 million dollars.

Owing to these investments and the ambition of the local organizations, the program covers all the artistic sectors and presents a broad panorama of Saguenay's cultural life. The targeted audience is equally culture enthusiasts and curious minds. The program takes into account our history and heritage, while providing an honourable portrayal of its creators and to Saguenay's overall modern nature. Throughout the year, Saguenay will move to the rhythm of its culture; a culture that is unique, rich, extensive, proud and festive.