OUR HISTORY

Since 1984, SKOL has been a living space for experimental and engaged art — shaped by successive generations of artists, coordinators, and members who have collectively built its identity, its publications, and its commitments.

Origins 1984–1989

1984–1985 — Inspired by artist-run centres OBORO and Xcétéras, La Galerie Skol opens at 3891 rue St-Laurent, presenting multidisciplinary exhibitions and activities. Poets establish the Public Readings series. Daniel Dion becomes the first coordinator.

1985–1986 — Marie-France Beaudoin and Myriam Merrette take the helm. A group of contemporary art enthusiasts forms the Groupe des 18. Backed by this group, the coordinators submit a request and the Centre des arts actuels Skol is officially incorporated on April 22, 1986 — dedicated to visual art exhibitions and events spanning literature, music, theatre, dance, and performance.

1986–1989 — A series devoted to experimental music and theatrical performances. In 1989, an off-site programming strand is added in response to demand from artists. SKOL joins the RCAAQ and moves to 4060 rue St-Laurent.

Between 1987 and 1989, SKOL also invites Michel Daigneault, Stephen Schofield, Pierre Bourgault and Philip Fry to present lectures as part of the L’Art qui parle program. The desire to make SKOL a place where ideas circulate continues to shape its artistic programming to this day.

Publications & Reflection 1990–1999

In 1992, Jean-Émile Verdier launches a study group for art historians and artists. SKOL participates in several exchanges, including Vancouver Now (with articule, OBORO, Optica and Powerhouse), Québec en régions, and Le Mois de la Photo à Montréal.

In May 1991, SKOL launches its first exhibition booklet to foster critical reflection — published annually until 2004–2005.

1993–1994 — Sylvie Cotton becomes the new coordinator.

1996–1997 — For SKOL’s 10th anniversary, a special installation-focused program is presented alongside the publication L’installation. Pistes et territoires. The Centre moves to 460 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest.

1997–1998 — Daniel Roy becomes the new coordinator, leading the Centre until 2003.

Engaged Art & Education 2000–2009

2000–2001 — Programming devoted to furtive art and relational art, culminating in the landmark publication Les Commensaux, lorsque l’art se fait circonstance. SKOL becomes one of the first artist-run centres to develop an educational component, initiating gallery visits for art students.

2002–2003 — Coordination by Carl Trahan and Louis Fortier.

2004–2005 — SKOL moves to 372 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest in the Édifice Belgo. Coordination by Louis Fortier and Anne Bertrand.

2006–2007 — 20th anniversary under the theme Faire comme si tout allait bien, with a publication in partnership with Rhinocéros (Strasbourg). Two SKOL members launch Viva! Art Action, a performance art festival carried by six artist-run centres including SKOL.

2008–2009 — Launch of the SKOOL summer internship program for emerging artists and cultural workers. Anne Bertrand becomes General and Artistic Coordinator.

New Directions 2010–2019

2009–2010 — A major project on the Centre’s historical archives begins.

2011 — Publication of Historique de Skol commentée.

2012–2013 — Stéphanie Chabot becomes the new General and Artistic Coordinator.

2013–2014 — Launch of the Journées Paroles et Manœuvres, weaving together conferences and diverse artistic proposals. Publication of L’artiste inconnu, winner of Best Publication at the Gala des arts visuels 2014.

2016–2017 — Inauguration of the Galerie passage des membres.

2019–2020 — Start of a collective real-estate project with the artist-run centres of the Édifice Belgo.

Looking Forward 2020–

2022–2023 — Adoption of a new approach called Plan d’Ensemble, favouring group exhibitions and inclusion. Publication of De l’art engagé au Québec : éthique et esthétique de l’utile in partnership with SAGAMIE. Launch of an accessibility development project for people who are Deaf or disabled.

2023–2024 — SKOL commits to exploring all forms of mutualization, including a potential merger with Arprim, CIRCA and Ateliers Belleville, with the goal of becoming co-owners of a cultural hub at 545 rue Legendre in Montréal.

SKOL is supported by all three arts councils and pays fees to all those who participate in its programming.