AFTER A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER AT THE AGORA – PORT DE QUÉBEC, THE PORT AND THE INCUBATEUR DE MUSIQUE FRANCOPHONE RENEW THEIR PARTNERSHIP FOR 2023

Québec City, November 24, 2022 – Thanks to a partnership between the Port of Québec and the Incubateur de Musique Francophone (IMF), the Agora – Port de Québec has resumed service during the summer season. It was the site of thirteen different events spanning 26 days and evenings. Over 55,000 people attended the site over the summer, attesting to the public’s enthusiastic appreciation for the return of shows and events at the Agora.

“From the outset, the idea to resume shows and events at the Agora – Port de Québec in a new way to enliven the whole neighbourhood came from the Association des gens d’affaires du Vieux-Port de Québec (AGAVP) and the IMF. They proposed a vision and project that aligned perfectly with our desire to make the Agora accessible to the population and liven up this wonderful Port of Québec venue. Headed by Richard Samson, the IMF rose to the challenge by proposing a varied and family-oriented program of activities that entertained visitors and the community while respecting nearby residents, who were involved in an advisory committee. It’s an all-round success!,” said Port of Québec President and CEO Mario Girard.

“Everyone involved put their shoulder to the wheel to make it all possible. The Port provided the Agora facilities and the expertise of its employees to the IMF, in addition to contributing financially with many partners to equip the site for event productions. Previously, promoters were burdened with the expensive task of providing their own stage, lighting, audio and other equipment. We now offer this equipment on site, which is far more attractive to them. This has allowed us to offer more shows and to diversify our offer with a rich and varied program,” added IMF and AGAVP CEO Richard Samson.

In addition to music and comedy shows with ComédiHa!, the Agora -Port de Québec has also hosted sporting events like basketball, dance, and the Celtic Festival. The SuperFrancoFête is the event that undoubtedly attracted the biggest crowd with 15,000 spectators. The show, filmed by French TV, was broadcast throughout the Francophonie, showcasing and providing exceptional visibility to Québec City.

The Association des gens d’affaires du Vieux-Port de Québec applauds the Port of Québec’s recreational tourism initiatives and their positive role within their neighbourhood. The Association observed a significant increase in business in the area’s shops and restaurants during the summer. The Old Port’s community representatives on the advisory committee appreciated their involvement in the project, especially in selecting the events being presented.

“This original collaboration has been highly promising and successful. Last October 11, during a public consultation with the broader district, the Agora’s activities won one of the two Orange prizes awarded by citizens for the summer activities they enjoyed the most. The residents’ prior engagement in the project attested to their enthusiasm for it. They greatly appreciated the resumption of the Agora’s activities which helped revive the Old Port’s neighbourhood. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this fine achievement, including the Port of Québec, the AGAVP, the IMF, Québec City’s Major Events Office and police department, and all their collaborators,” added Alain Samson, President of the Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–Colline parlementaire neighbourhood council and Michel Masse, President of the Comité des citoyens du Vieux-Québec.

“The project was rallying and involved committed stakeholders. I am elated with the collaborative work that led to the success of the Agora – Port de Québec which offers community members and visitors entertaining and family-oriented events. It is with great pleasure that we will work with the IMF and all partners again next summer!,” announced Mario Girard.

About Port of Québec
The Port of Québec is among Canada’s five largest ports in terms of tonnage handled and economic spinoffs. It is strategically located to serve North America’s industrial and agricultural heartland. Each year, cargo ships from or to some fifty countries call at the Port of Québec to connect the Great Lakes and Midwestern U.S. markets to the rest of the world. Twenty percent of the port’s territory, which extends from Beauport to the South Shore, is dedicated to recreational activities and tourism.

About the Incubateur de Musique Francophone
The Incubateur de Musique Francophone is a Québec City non-profit organization arising from the initiative of people from the world of music, especially new French compositions. It is supported by artists and artisans from the city’s cultural community. The IMF’s financial strength stems mainly from own-source revenue generated through its professional activities, improving the lives of artists and artisans with new services and long-term high-quality jobs.

– 30 –

Source: 
Stéphanie Trudel
Communications Senior Advisor

Information and interviews: 
Frédéric Lagacé
Communications Director
Port of Québec
418 929-5031
[email protected]