Caisses Desjardins du Québec and Caisses populaires de l'Ontario [Change site]

Arts and culture

In pursuit of its mission, Desjardins contributes to the improvement of economic and social well-being of individuals and communities. Of the $80 million it gave back in 2008 to communities in the form of donations and sponsorships of all kinds, $10.4 million was earmarked for arts and culture.


La Femme en mauve
Women Artists. Gaining space, 1900-1965. Works from the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
May 7 to August 16

Discover – or rediscover – the works of 50 women artists who influenced the first half of the 20th century by claiming their status as professional artists and the recognition of their contribution to art in Quebec. A unique selection of works pulled from some 2,600 pieces by women artists in the collection of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec including Marcelle Ferron, Jeanne Rhéaume, Françoise Sullivan, Agnès Lefort and Suzanne Duquet.

The first of a two-part exhibit, the first explores the contribution of women to redefining modern figurative art while the second will examine their contribution to modern abstract art.

Find out more about the Women Artists exhibit.

Suzanne Duquet, La Femme en mauve (detail), 1945. Oil on canvas, 91.4 x 70.8 cm. Legal deposit – Bibliothèque nationale du Québec, 2009. Le Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is subsidized by the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine du Québec.
The Turkish Bath

Ingres and the Moderns at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
February 5 to March 31

Admire the paintings and drawings of Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres, including the famous Bain turc, on loan from the Louvre museum. See the modern and contemporary creations that were directly inspired by his work. This juxtaposition highlights the lasting influence this exceptional artist had from the beginning of the 20th century to today. Visit the site of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, The Turkish Bath (1862), Canvas on wood panel, 108 cm.
Musée du Louvre, Gift of Friends of the Louvre, with the assistance of Maurice Fenaille, 1911.
©Photo: RMN/Erich Lessing

Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival
Downtown Sudbury, Ontario is transformed into a bustling hub during the festival and more than 100 films are screened (documentaries, short films and animated features). Cinéfest Sudbury also features a video artist competition and a forum on the Canadian film industry.

Cirque du Soleil
Cirque spreads its magic on tour. Starting in April, Desjardins is pleased to present the 25th Cirque du Soleil show in 25 years, OVO, in Montreal, Quebec and Toronto. You could also see Cirque classic, Alegria, at the arenas in Halifax, Saint-John and Hamilton, London and Montreal. Enjoy the show!
cirquedusoleil.com

Carnaval de Québec
January 30 to February 15

In 2009, the Carnival will lead you into the masquerade with a colourful, fantastical and popular program. Visit Place Desjardins, a vast open-air area and enjoy the family activities. Participate in the 5/30 Health Challenge on February 14 and 15 and get the chance to become the 5/30 family (to be won: an RESP).

Quebec City Summer Festival
July 9 to 19

The Quebec City Summer Festival has earned quite a reputation! Again this year, Desjardins is pleased to partner with Grands événements Desjardins to present the brightest stars in music today. Keep an eye out for the enviromentally friendly promotions!

Le Paradis du Nord
Desjardins is proud to present Paradis du Nord, a large-scale historical show relating the highlights of the development and settlement of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Produced by Troupe À Coeur ouvert, this musical show features more than 75 comedians, singers, dancers and gymnasts performing on an impressive stage, with a multimedia projection and spectacular set.

Festival de Lanaudière
July 4 to August 2
The 32nd Annual Festival de Lanaudière is the destination of choice for classical music lovers. Don't miss: Sunday concerts from the Desjardins Concert series. Come and kick back with your family and friends, have a picnic and enjoy the music.

Les FrancoFolies de Montréal
Les FrancoFolies de Montréal
The 20th edition of Les FrancoFolies de Montréal will be hot! Among other things, the brand new green entertainment space created by Desjardins Group will welcome up-and-coming artists from the French-speaking world. There will be 20 free concerts in total. And remember that VISA Desjardins credit card holders can benefit from rewards program advantages by purchasing tickets through 1-877-245-5387 and at official FrancoFolies ticket outlets.

Festival de la chanson de Tadoussac
June 11 to 14
Winner of the 2006 Félix prize for best event, the Festival de la chanson de Tadoussac is back for the 27th year with a line-up that will please song lovers.

La nouvelle Fabuleuse ou les Aventures d'un Flo
July 4 to August 22
La nouvelle Fabuleuse ou les Aventures d'un Flo, a fantastic odyssey that traces the history of the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean area from 1603 to the present. This brand new show will draw you into sometimes amusing, sometimes dramatic situations, featuring the richness of the local language, the extent of our aspirations and the fascinating beauty of the countryside. A fantastic tale that promises to contain as much energy and enthusiasm as the shows of the last 20 years. At the Théâtre du palais municipal de Saguenay.

Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau
September 4 to 16
To celebrate the Festival de montgolfière de Gatineau's 20th year, all eyes will be turned skyward to view 80 balloons, some with very unique shapes.

Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée
June 25 to July 3
Enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere of this yearly music festival in a small Gaspé town. The 26th annual Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée included workshops and discussions. Desjardins awarded $1,000 to the winner in the "Artiste collaborateur" (collaborating artist) category.

Festival Western de Saint-Tite
September 11 to 20
The 42nd Annual Festival Western de Saint-Tite will include 10 days of unforgettable festivities: professional rodeos, including the Desjardins Rodeo on September 6, country dancing and shows.