History

During the final plenary of the 1996 Independent Film and Video Forum In 1996, a motion to create a permanent forum to further advocacy actions on behalf of independent film and video artists was passed unanimously. Discussions went on for two years without tangible results. Finally, the Quebec caucus of Independent Media Arts Alliance, then known as the Independent Film and Video Alliance, decided to survey Quebec artist-run centres to see if their was sufficient interest to found an association in Quebec. Since the response was overwhelmingly favourable, several media arts centres worked together to found Conseil québécois des arts médiatiques. Incorporated on June 19 1998, from the very start CQAM united both individuals and centres in the Quebec media arts community to work toward the common goal of improving conditions in the sector through collective action.