International Symposium of Contemporary Art of Baie-Saint-Paul

The International Symposium of Contemporary Art of Baie-Saint-Paul is an artistic event that enjoys international recognition and which is focused on present-time visual art forms. It is a recurring activity organized by the Musée d’art contemporain de Baie- Saint-Paul. The Symposium’s format fosters encounters between artists and visitors. It provides the public with an opportunity to get up close to the artist, thus enjoying a live visual art creation event and observing a range of current trends in the visual arts. It has become a must in the world of visual arts, locally as well as internationally. The proposed concept takes into account the two realities that coexist, the artists who work there daily and the visitors. The new layout establish a space hierarchy by using only a part of the ice rink and by aggregating the functions to create a suitable density. It also creates a set public space, proportionate and readable, by placing the workshops and other spaces along a single movement axis in which the centre widens to form a square. Workshops consist of a lightweight wooden modular prefabricated panels system designed to allow assembly in multiple configurations. This allows the workshops to be adapted to each’s artist work and personality. Better defined and intimate spaces also allows more comfortable and gentle interaction with visitors. The use of common and economic materials, assembled in a simple way, allowed a non- specialized fabrication and installation. All elements are reused each year. New types of workshops can be made since the panels can be assembled in many different ways to meet any specific need. The majority of elements were made by Baie-St-Paul’s Atelier la Cire-Constance, a non-profit organisation which has a «rehabilitation through labour» program. Their involvement was essential and is an integral part of the project’s development.