FERNAND DUMONT AND THE VICISSITUDES OF CULTURAL POLICY IN QUÉBEC

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the intellectual in relation to cultural policy in Québec, with particular attention given to the contributions made by Fernand Dumont. It is argued that because of its status as an “imagined community” rooted in a social movement – but still within the structure of a provincial government bent on expanding its powers – Quebec’s cultural policy differs markedly from that of states whose administrative structures have been more stable and routinized. In particular, not only have intellectuals and artists played an active part in the formation of cultural policy, but culture itself has been defined in a broad and holistic sense. The paper maintains that Fernand Dumont embodied the engaged, culturally astute intellectual within Québec, and that an examination of how his policy work was informed by his views on identity and culture sheds light on the dilemmas facing intellectuals who wish to become involved in public service.