Why the name "Le Socle" (The Base)? The art of propelling the creative talent of our regions

Choosing a company name is rarely a matter of chance. It's an exercise in identity, a promise made to those we wish to serve. When we founded our accelerator for artists and artisans from the regions of Quebec, several names were considered. Yet, only one stood out as the obvious choice, rooted in both our geography and our business philosophy: Le Socle.

Google gives us the following definition for Le socle:

Le socle" (the socle/base) in French refers to a supportive foundation for objects like statues, columns, or buildings, a geological bedrock (socle continental), or figuratively, a fundamental basis or common ground (socle commun), with common meanings including pedestal, plinth, base, or foundation, and can also refer to specific entities like a Michelin-starred restaurant in Nice or an artisan accelerator in Quebec.

But why this name? Behind this simple word lies a powerful symbolism that unites our physical location in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli and our mission to propel local talent.

A tribute to Saint-Jean-Port-Joli

It is impossible to talk about Le socle without talking about the place where our offices are rooted. Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is not a village like any other; it is the beating heart of sculpture and craftsmanship in Quebec.

Cradled by the river, this place is steeped in the legacy of the Bourgault brothers and generations of woodcarvers who have breathed life into the material. Here, sculpture is more than an art; it's an identity. By choosing this name, we wanted to pay homage to this land of creators. We wanted our brand to evoke the scent of worked wood and the salty air. Calling ourselves "Le Socle" (The Plinth) is a way of affirming our regional pride and our belonging to a community where art reigns supreme.

The importance of structure

In sculpture, Le socle plays a fundamental role, often underestimated by the viewer, but crucial for the artist. It is the foundation. It is the element of stability.

Without a solid base, even the most magnificent work remains fragile, unstable, or worse, invisible because it rests directly on the ground. The base allows the artist to:

• Stabilize the piece so that it withstands the test of time without falling.

• Elevate the artwork to eye level.

• Detach the art from its immediate surroundings, thus imbuing it with a sense of sacredness.

This is precisely the function we fulfill for creative entrepreneurs.

Our mission: To be your point of support

If the artist or craftsperson is the creator of the work—the one who possesses the talent, vision, and skill—our accelerator is the structure that allows that talent to flourish.

Too often, exceptional creators in our region struggle to make a living from their art, not for lack of talent, but for lack of an entrepreneurial structure. This is where Le Socle comes in.

Just as the block of stone or wood supports the sculpture, we provide the necessary strategic support:

1. Sturdiness: We offer a solid business foundation (management, finance, logistics) so you no longer have to fear market instability.

2. Exhibition: A pedestal serves to tell the world, "Look at this." We work to showcase your talent, making it visible to buyers, galleries, and the general public.

3. Elevation: We help you transition from "hobbyist" to successful cultural entrepreneur.

aking talent to the next level

In short, we don't interfere with your art; it's your exclusive domain. We take care of everything underneath. We build the foundation that will allow you to reach new heights without ever wavering.

That's why we're called Le Socle. Because in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, we know that for a work of art to shine and inspire, it must first be firmly supported.

You have the talent. We have the foundation to make it shine.