At the heart of creation: Why Le Socle chose Saint-Jean-Port-Joli

In the business world, we often hear that location is everything (location, location, location). But when it comes to art, culture, and creative entrepreneurship, location becomes much more than just an address: it becomes a muse, a driving force, and a community.

It is precisely for this reason that Le Socle, our accelerator dedicated to artists and artisans, chose to establish its headquarters here in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. This is not a geographical coincidence; it is a strategic and heartfelt decision.

A village unlike any other

Why Saint-Jean-Port-Joli? If you've ever walked along the St. Lawrence River through our municipality, you already know part of the answer. Saint-Jean-Port-Joli isn't just a picturesque town; it's a true creative hub, renowned throughout the province and even beyond for its unique cultural vibrancy.

For decades, this region has acted as a magnet for creators. From the wood carving that made it famous, to contemporary crafts, via music and visual arts, there reigns here an artistic density per square kilometer that is simply phenomenal.

For an accelerator like Le Socle, setting up shop here meant establishing ourselves directly on fertile ground. Inspiration isn't just found in our offices; it's in the air, in the neighboring workshops, in the cafés where ideas are exchanged, and in those legendary sunsets that remind us that beauty is essential.

A man's vision: Max Doré's commitment

The history of Le Socle is closely linked to the career of its president, Max Doré. The idea of ​​creating a structure capable of propelling artists towards financial independence and commercial success did not come from outside his own circle.

Max didn't just point to a map at random. He made a deliberate choice to move and settle in the region with a specific mission in mind: to build Le socle.

“I didn’t want to manage this accelerator from an anonymous office tower in the city. I wanted to experience the reality of artists, to be immersed in their daily lives and build a structure that exudes the same authenticity as they do. Saint-Jean-Port-Joli was the obvious choice. It was the only place where this project could take root with such strength.” — Max Doré

This personal involvement demonstrates the seriousness of our approach. We are not distant observers; we are neighbors, colleagues, and active partners in the artistic community.

A local base for a Quebec influence

It is crucial to clarify an important nuance: while our roots are in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, our branches extend throughout Quebec.

Le Socle is for artists and artisans from across the province. Whether you're a jeweller from Montreal, a painter from the Outaouais region, or a ceramicist from the Saguenay, Le Socle is your home..

However, the choice of region is strategic for all our members, regardless of their origin. Saint-Jean-Port-Joli acts as a beacon. By centralizing our operations here, we offer a rallying point that helps artists overcome the isolation often inherent in the creative process. It proves that it's possible to succeed, innovate, and conquer markets while remaining connected to a human-scale community.

The impetus of local talent

The launch of Le socle would not have been the same without the invaluable contribution of the region's artists. From the very beginning of the project, it was local creators who helped shape our vision.

Their talent, resilience, and open-mindedness validated our support models. They were our first partners, our first constructive critics, and our first ambassadors. This local synergy created a solid foundation—a true bedrock—upon which we can now build to help creators from all corners of Quebec.

The vibrant atmosphere of the place has fostered a dynamic of rapid launch. Here, projects don't just sit on the drawing board; they are discussed, prototyped, and launched thanks to an extraordinary network of artistic solidarity.

Towards the future

Today, our offices in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli are open. They symbolize our deep belief that art is a powerful economic driver and that artists deserve business support that matches their talent.

We chose this place for its soul, for its history, but above all for its future. By settling here, we are saying to artists: your environment matters, your community matters, and you are not alone.

Welcome to Le socle. Welcome to Saint-Jean-Port-Joli.