The Augustin-Chénier Corporation, a non-profit organization, was established on January 7, 1982. Accredited by the Quebec government, this institution, beginning is 25th year of existence, plays a major role in the Témiscamingue community.

The Augustin-Chénier Corporation encompasses the Augustin-Chénier Gallery, a visual arts exhibition centre and the Rift Theatre, a hall for the performing arts. The Augustin-Chénier Corporation also organizes the International Miniature Art Biennial.

Serving a population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants, the Augustin-Chénier Corporation is an indispensable promoter of cultural events in Témiscamingue.

Who is Augustin Chénier?

Decorated as an emeritus citizen by the Canadian government in 1967, Augustin Chénier is considered to be the first Témiscamingue historian. He wrote his “ Historic Commentaries about Témiscamingue” in 1937, fifty years after the first settlers began colonizing the Quebec shores of Lake Temiscaming.

Based upon voyagers’ narratives as well as knowledge of the territory, this work examines the main exploits which gave birth to the Témiscamingue identity, beginning with the presence of the native Algonquins and even before, until the development of twenty-five parishes around which the colonizers settled.

Augustin Chénier was involved in many different sectors of the community. From 1927 until 1968, he held the position of registrar and notary. Founding member of the radio station CKVM and the Témiscamingue Historical Society, and the first president of the Caisse Populaire de Ville-Marie, he was equally active on the cultural scene as musician, chorale director, director of the local brass band and producer.