On Tuesday, Culture Montréal presented 37 recommendations to the incoming Quebec government, calling for at least 3% of the provincial budget to be earmarked for the cultural sector. The request was made in Montreal and targets the upcoming fiscal planning of the province.
The group’s dossier outlines a series of measures intended to strengthen funding streams for museums, theaters, music venues and community arts programs. Among the 37 points are proposals for stable long‑term financing, mechanisms to support emerging artists, and incentives for private investment in cultural projects. The central figure of the proposal is the 3% allocation, which Culture Montréal says would bring the province’s cultural spending in line with comparable jurisdictions.
Advocates argue that a larger share of public resources would help preserve Montreal’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub and ensure the sustainability of a sector that contributes to tourism, education and social cohesion. By setting the 3% target, the organization hopes to secure a predictable funding base that can respond to both established institutions and grassroots initiatives. The recommendations will be reviewed by the new administration as it prepares its budget for the coming year.
The appeal comes at a time when provincial finances are being scrutinized for priorities ranging from health care to infrastructure. Culture Montréal’s submission signals a push to embed the arts more firmly in the fiscal agenda, seeking a balance between economic pressures and the cultural vitality that the province is known for.