Table of content
Fields of Artists project presentation
Fields of artists is an innovative initiative by La Boîte interculturelle that aims to forge unique bounds between artists from diverse backgrounds and professionals from the agricultural and related fields. Champs d’artistes is inspired by the richness of interdisciplinary exchanges and collaboration between the arts and agriculture to create unique and enriching experiences.
At the heart of our approach is the desire to encourage unexpected and stimulating encounters.
On the one hand, we have artists of diversity, representing a vibrant palette of cultures, histories and perspectives. Their art transcends borders. Their participation in Fields of artists offers them a platform to explore new horizons, broaden their scope of expression and share their stories in an authentic and inspiring way.
On the other hand, we have agricultural professionals, passionate farmers, gardeners and others working in similar fields. Their daily lives are punctuated by a deep connection with the land. They cultivate not only crops, but also close ties with their community and their environment. They are the guardians of ancestral knowledge, but also daring innovators, constantly seeking to improve their practices to preserve the health of the earth and meet the challenges of our time.
Together, they are rethinking the links between man and nature, reimagining rural and urban landscapes, and exploring new ways of telling the stories of the land and those who farm it.Through Fields of artists, everyone becomes the protagonists of a new story, where art and agriculture come together to celebrate the beauty of diversity, land and life.
The Fields of Artists project is officially taking root in the MRC des Chenaux!
Where the arts and agriculture flourish together
More than just a meeting of minds, our aim is to sow seeds of mutual understanding, foster innovation and cultivate a more inclusive and sustainable world, where the arts and agriculture flourish together in a fruitful and harmonious dialogue.
The project we are proposing embodies a fusion between two worlds that are seemingly dissimilar yet rich in creativity and know-how.
Fields of artists aims to facilitate the development of unexpected bounds between these two communities, by highlighting the similarities and differences that characterize them.
By bringing these two worlds together, we aim to create a unique synergy where art becomes the universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and social barriers.
The project concept of Fields of Artists
Fields of artists consists of pairing up 5 artists from diverse backgrounds with 5 farmers, gardeners, fishermen, or any other related fields such as herboristerie, etc.
Once the people paired up have spent a minimum of two days together exchanging, discussing and discovering their respective cultural worlds, the project enters a new and exciting phase.
Driven by curiosity and a willingness to learn from each other, these improbably matched duos draw on their unique experiences and perspectives to give birth to new ideas and forms of expression. They explore the intersections between art and agriculture, pushing the boundaries of creativity to create something truly special.
Whether through collaborative artworks, performances, installations or cultural events, the collaborations that emerge from Fields of artists are the fruit of a genuine synergy between two seemingly different but profoundly connected worlds.
Together, these artists transcend the boundaries of their respective fields to create something new and inspiring. They are proof that when creative minds meet, the possibilities are endless, and that collaboration is the key to creating a world where art, agriculture and diversity thrive in harmony.
Discovers the pairing of artists and farmers
It was a wonderful and enriching experience! I had the chance to share my knowledge of African culture and the making of clay paint, bogolan, while learning alongside the wonderful Claudine.
Thanks to her, I now know how to make pigment-based water paint for body painting. Claudine has been an extraordinary teacher.
This beautiful result is due to the art that unites us despite our different cultures. Claudine honored African culture by helping me make the five colors of the bogolan, a wonderful surprise for me.
Many thanks to La Boîte interculturelle and its exceptional team. And finally, a huge thank you to my twin ❤️ Claudine Cousineau. It was an extraordinary artistic journey through time. Unity in twinning, thank you life!”
– Adjoua Art’s
Magnificent, magnificent, magnificent, what you’re letting us experience. Thank you to La Boîte for the unique opportunity to experience this enriching exchange on every level.
Champs d’Artistes is an important project for forging links, opening up to others and appreciating our differences. I hope that more people will have the privilege of living this kind of experience. Many thanks, la Boîte.
– Achref Jaghmoun
I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for last Sunday’s feast. The fusion of Moroccan and Odanak flavors made my day! Your passion and talent truly enchanted everyone present.
Thank you Maha for this wonderful culinary encounter. Nathalie, thank you and La Boîte interculturelle for this unique collaboration that created a memorable moment for my community. Bravo to your entire team for a job well done!
– Jacques T. Watso,
Community meetings
We’re delighted to announce the dates and locations of the ‘Fields of artists.
These get-together offer a unique opportunity to connect and exchange ideas about the arts as a tool for facilitating discussion. Community meetings are planned in each locality. Stay tuned for specific dates
July 13 and 14
Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies
Achref Jaghmoun and Michel Alexandre
July 28 and 29
Lejeune – Viv Herbes
Fernanda Micocci and Chantal Dufour
September 21 and 22
Saint-Adelphe
Lucero and Véronique St-Onge and Benoît Labissonnière
July 26 and 27
Lejeune – Pigmenterre
Adjoua du Québec and Claudine Cousineau
September 7 and 8
Odanak
Maha Bensouda and Jacques. T. Watso
September 28 and 29
Saint-Onésime
Carine au Micro and Isabelle Vaillancourt, Patrick Lavoie (40 arpents)
Project collaborators
Sarah Khilaji
Sarah Khilaji worked as a psychosocial worker in various community organizations from 2011 to 2020. She sometimes feels like she stumbled into the world of poetry in 2018. In 2020, she decided to leave social work and pursue training in cultural mediation to fully engage in projects that combine spoken arts, intergenerational and intercultural meetings. She also conducts numerous writing workshops in schools and community organizations. She firmly believes that expressing oneself, telling one’s story, is an attempt to make sense of what permeates our humanity.
Meet Lucero: the inspirational artist behind the Champs d’Artistes canvases
As artistic partner of the Champs d’Artistes project, Lucero brings an added dimension to this innovative initiative. Her commitment to bringing participants’ visions and stories to life makes her an essential centerpiece of this collaborative artistic experience.
Each of Lucero’s paintings tells a story, revealing the nuances of the human soul and celebrating the diversity of each individual. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects is what makes each canvas a timeless work of art, imbued with life, passion and authenticity.
Her passion for art dates back to his earliest childhood, and over the years Lucero has perfected her craft, developing a unique style that deftly blends spontaneous expression with meticulous precision.
Catherine Charbonneau, artist and graphic designer
Catherine Charbonneau is a freelance graphic designer with a passion for typography. A graduate of Concordia University, she has specialized in editorial design for over 10 years. She began her career with Groupe d’édition la courte échelle, where her expertise in typesetting earned her second place in the 2019 Alcuin Society Book Design Awards for the design of the book Minimal.
Simplicity, respect and inclusion are the values that guide her practice. Her high standards of quality, attention to detail and organizational skills are assets she loves to share with her collaborators to create projects that exceed expectations.
Being able to think about the meaning of things rather than their content is a major asset in design. She makes connections that others might miss, and communicates with the target audience in ways that are surprising, but resonate with them.
We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with the incredibly talented Vincenzo Maccarone for the Fields of Artists capsules!
This partnership is sure to bring fresh creativity and inspiring moments to the editing process. Vince Maccarone is an educator, sought-after performer, studio musician and producer with over 30 years of playing, teaching and writing experience. Originally from the mining town of Sudbury, Ontario, he has been based in Toronto, Ontario for the past 30 years.
His live performances display an unbreakable link between traditional music and cutting-edge contemporary. His Jazz, Reggae, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian influences blend into a unique “World Music” approach which he brings to his master classes and workshops. Vince’s drumming influences range from Manu Katche & Earl Palmer to Sly Dunbar, Tony Allen and Stewart Copeland.
Vince is a very versatile and adaptable musician, he has toured extensively in Canada and the United States and also in Australia, Europe and the Caribbean. Vince’s writing and drumming have been featured on films, commercials and television shows including: Two If By Sea with Sandra Bullock and Dennis Leary, The Decorating Challenge and commercials for Tim Horton’s and Coca Cola to name a few.
Some other artists Vince has worked with include: Colin Linden, Denny Doherty of The Mammas and Pappas, Deanna Bogart, Gregory Hines, Jim Belushi, Sugar Blue (harmonica player for Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, U2) and New Orleans great, Earl King (Come ON, Big Chief, Trick bag) who shared “this drummer is hot!” with the crowd all evening. He also has been with Paul Reddick and The Sidemen for the past 20 years. One career highlight was a 2 week tour out west backing blues legend Buddy Guy.
Vince has many studio recording credits for labels such as Dark Light Music, Northern Blues, Wonderlust Records and on Pour Soul Records.
Awards and Nominations
2016 – Endorsee for Dream Cymbal Company
2011 – Maple Blues Nomination “Drummer of the Year”
2010 – Maple Blues Nomination “Drummer of the Year”
2009 – Johnny Max Band – Kings of Beale Award, International Blues Competition Memphis, TN
2003 – Maple Blues Nomination “Drummer of the Year”
2002 – Paul Reddick and the Sidemen WC Handy Award Nomination “Best Debut” Memphis,TE
2002 – JUNO Nomination “Best Blues Artist”
1997 – Jazz Report Magazine’s – “Best Live Band”
1995 – JUNO Nomination “Best Blues/Gospel Artist”
Canadian Independent Music Awards Nomination “Blues Album of the Year”
Maple Blues Awards – (9) Nominations 3 awards won – Best Live Band, Best Recording, and Songwriting
Show more +Together, let’s make ART a powerful vector for change and for bringing cultures closer together.
Partners
This project is part of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program by the Government of Canada.