Sylvie-Ann Paré
Sincere and passionate, Francine Bernier is a devoted lover of the performing arts. She often says that “tomorrow’s heritage is today’s creation.” She began her career in the field of theatre for young audiences at a time when initiatives for this specific audience were rare. She worked with pioneering organizations such as the Nouvelle Compagnie théâtrale (later Théâtre Denise-Pelletier), Théâtre de l’Œil, and the Festival québécois de théâtre pour enfants. She also served as a consultant in management, communications, and administration for numerous organizations, including Théâtre de Quartier.After working as a theatre cultural advisor for the Conseil des arts de la communauté urbaine de Montréal, she specialized in adult theatre, putting her expertise at the service of prestigious venues such as Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui, Espace GO, and Espace Libre, where she worked as coordinator until 1992. That year marked a turning point in her career, as she became Executive and Artistic Director of Agora de la danse. For more than 25 years, she has actively contributed to the development of contemporary dance in Québec.Under her leadership, Agora has presented around 370 productions, the vast majority of them Québec creations, along with Canadian and international works. Francine Bernier has also been instrumental in building numerous ties with international presenters. Her international engagement earned her the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government in 2001.
JURY NOTES
The board of Diagramme wished to highlight Francine Bernier’s long-standing leadership at the helm of Agora de la danse, which she has directed for 25 years, and to recognize her commitment to supporting choreographic creation by welcoming choreographers and movement artists and providing them with the conditions needed to develop their practice in a venue that has become a true beacon in the dance landscape. Attentive to the needs of her community and with constant regard for human connection, she has shown great care and demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the artists she has supported throughout their careers.
Dominique Malaterre
