L’Œil de Poisson

L’Œil de Poisson is a self-managed artist-run centre based in Quebec City, Canada. Founded in 1985 by young artists who wanted to create their own means of production and dissemination, it has become a major player in the Quebec and Canadian art scene. The centre supports research, creation, production, and dissemination of metadisciplinary practices in contemporary art. It provides technical workshops in wood, metal, and finishing, open to the community, as well as two exhibition spaces with singular formats. It supports both emerging and established artists and curators, helping them gain recognition in Quebec and internationally. The centre offers a range of services: work and residency spaces, technical support, and specialized facilities that facilitate the production of works of all scales. Since 1995, it has been located within the Méduse cooperative, of which it is a founding member. Initially focused on photography, L’Œil de Poisson quickly expanded its programming to reflect the multidisciplinary interests of its members. As early as 1988, it presented projects and events combining visual arts, dance, music, theatre, and poetry, such as the Festival de musique ennuyante (1988), marking a turning point in its openness to hybrid practices. Over the years, the centre has presented numerous exhibitions and thematic events addressing contemporary issues related to art and its history, including D’hommage à l’histoire (1986), Poisson d’Avril (1996), and the first edition of what would become Manif d’art – La biennale de Québec. It continues to be an active hub for experimental, innovative, and alternative artistic practices. L’Œil de Poisson is a non-profit organization. It generates revenue through membership fees, workshop rentals, production contracts, and grants. In 2025, it announced a revision of its workshop pricing structure effective October 1, including a new fee structure, a project management fee of 8%, and an eco-responsibility fee of 2%, to ensure the sustainability of its services and support new services for members.

L’Œil de Poisson was founded in 1985 by young artists who wanted to establish their own means of production and dissemination. Initially focused on photography, the centre quickly expanded its programming to reflect the multidisciplinary interests of its members. As early as 1988, it presented projects and events combining visual arts, dance, music, theatre, and poetry, such as the Festival de musique ennuyante (1988), which marked a turning point in its openness to hybrid practices. In 1995, it moved into the Méduse cooperative, of which it is a founding member. Over the years, the centre has presented numerous exhibitions and thematic events addressing contemporary issues related to art and its history, including D’hommage à l’histoire (1986), Poisson d’Avril (1996), and the first edition of what would become Manif d’art – La biennale de Québec. Since its founding, L’Œil de Poisson has actively contributed to the recognition of artists from here and abroad, highlighting experimental, innovative, and alternative artistic practices.

• 2025

  Announced revision of workshop pricing and new fee structure effective October 1.

• 1996

  Event Poisson d’Avril.

• 1995

  Established within the Méduse cooperative, of which it is a founding member.

• 1988

  Festival de musique ennuyante marks a turning point in openness to hybrid practices.

• 1986

  Exhibition D’hommage à l’histoire.

• 1985

  Founded by young artists in Quebec City.

A bold and innovative artist-run centre dedicated to metadisciplinary contemporary art, supporting experimental and alternative practices.

• Ateliers de bois, de métal et de finition

  Workshops offering various services at competitive prices for artists and artisans.

• Réservation d’atelier

  Members can reserve time slots to access workshop spaces and equipment fleet.

• Espaces d’exposition

  Two exhibition spaces with singular formats.

1. 1Accueil - L'Œil de poissonoeildepoisson.com
2. 2À propos - L'Œil de poissonoeildepoisson.com
3. 3Ateliers - L'Œil de poissonoeildepoisson.com
4. 4Wikidatawikidata.org