Engramme

Engramme is an artist-run centre based in Québec City, Canada, devoted since 1972 to the promotion of original printmaking (estampe originale). It operates as a self-managed collective that provides specialised equipment and studio access for intaglio, screen printing (sérigraphie) and lithography, while also running a public exhibition programme and cultural mediation activities. The centre describes itself as a place that renews printmaking as a privileged field of visual-arts creation, supporting both established professional artists and emerging practitioners, and fostering dialogue between printmaking and other visual-arts disciplines. Membership is central to Engramme's model. To become a member, an artist must have an artistic practice and be autonomous in at least one of the techniques offered (gravure, sérigraphie, lithographie). Applicants submit a letter of motivation, a CV, an artistic statement and a portfolio of at least five works to the artistic director. Membership runs from 1 September to 31 August and costs CAD 150 per year. Studio rental is CAD 17 for under three hours and CAD 28.50 for a day of more than three hours. New members undergo a probation period of roughly two to six months, during which they may use the studio only during office hours (Monday–Tuesday 8:30–16:30, Wednesday–Friday 9:00–17:00); after probation they receive a key giving 24-hour access. Benefits include access to the workshops with a technician available two days a week, common rooms, personal storage, opportunities for member-only exhibitions and residencies, the ability to sell print products in the boutique, a 20% discount in the Engramme shop (inks, papers, etc.), access to group orders, and personalised emails about the printmaking world. Engramme is one of the founding members of the Coopérative Méduse, founded in Québec City in 1995. Its programme reflects current trends and the diversity of artistic research in printmaking, and encourages innovative practices. The centre also engages in cultural mediation for all audiences, offering workshops and other activities. Its exhibition programme has included collective shows such as 'Territoires partagés' (11.09–18.10.2026) and has hosted residencies, for example Paul Lacroix at Engramme in 1996 during the SOL MAJEUR residency.

Engramme was founded in 1972 by Marc Dugas, a professor at Université Laval, and a group of Québec artists. It is described as the very first organisation in Québec City managed by a collective of artists and devoted to the production and dissemination of printmaking. Since its founding, Engramme has operated as a self-managed artist-run centre, providing specialised equipment for all printmaking techniques and maintaining a dual focus on production and diffusion. In 1995, Engramme became one of the founding members of the Coopérative Méduse, a cooperative founded in Québec City that brings together artist-run centres and cultural organisations. The centre has continued to support the evolution of printmaking through exhibitions, residencies and public programmes. Notable activities include the SOL MAJEUR residency, during which Paul Lacroix worked at Engramme in 1996. Engramme's programming has reflected current trends and the diversity of artistic research in printmaking, while encouraging innovative practices in contact with other visual-arts disciplines. By the 2020s, Engramme had marked over 50 years of history, as noted on its 'À propos' page. It continues to offer membership, studio access, exhibitions, a boutique and cultural mediation activities for all audiences.

• 2026

  Exhibition 'Territoires partagés' scheduled 11.09–18.10.2026.

• 1996

  Paul Lacroix at Engramme during the SOL MAJEUR residency.

• 1995

  Founding member of Coopérative Méduse in Québec City.

• 1972

  Founded by Marc Dugas and a group of Québec artists.

Artist-run centre dedicated to original printmaking and contemporary visual arts.

• Membership

  Annual membership (CAD 150) with studio access, exhibitions, residencies and shop discounts.

• Studio rental

  Access to printmaking workshops for gravure, sérigraphie and lithographie.

• Exhibitions

  Public exhibition programme including collective shows.

• Cultural mediation

  Workshops and activities for all audiences.

1. 1Engramme – Centre de production en estampe et diffusion en art actuelengramme.ca
2. 2Centre de production en estampe et diffusion en art actuel – Engrammeengramme.ca
3. 3Engrammewikidata.org