In the face of rapidly evolving markets and growing global uncertainty, Quebec companies in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) must demonstrate boldness and adaptability. To remain competitive and support their long-term growth, internationalization has become an essential step—both to multiply opportunities and to better protect against economic fluctuations.
Montréal: A Key Hub for Cultural and Creative Industries in Canada and Worldwide
Montréal holds a central place in the landscape of cultural and creative industries, both nationally and internationally. As a city of art, design, digital creation, and culture, Montréal is recognized as one of North America's leading creative hubs.
According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ), the CCI sector alone accounts for over 90,000 jobs in the Montréal metropolitan area. The city is home to world-renowned companies across various fields: video games (Behaviour Interactive), film and visual effects (Mels Studios, Rodeo FX), music, publishing, fashion and interior design, virtual reality, and many more.
Montréal is also one of the few cities designated as a “UNESCO City of Design,” a title that highlights the richness and innovation of its creative scene. Moreover, the city hosts major international events each year that attract professionals from around the globe: MUTEK (electronic music and digital arts), C2 Montréal (commerce and creativity), the International Jazz Festival, the World Design Summit, and the Fantasia Film Market.
Internationalization of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI)
CCI companies and organizations operate in a highly competitive environment, characterized by short product life cycles and constantly evolving global consumption patterns. Relying on a single market—even one that has historically been favorable—can significantly increase economic and commercial risks.
To ensure their sustainability and foster growth, CCI companies have every reason to expand their presence across multiple international markets. This strategy allows them to diversify revenue streams, reduce dependence on a single territory or distribution network, and tailor their offerings to diverse cultural trends—fueling innovation in the process. It also opens the door to international collaborations and co-productions that bring added value and long-term business opportunities.
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The CCCI: A Concrete Response to Industry Needs
With this in mind, the Business Services team at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM), with support from Canadian Heritage, launched the Cultural and Creative Catalyst Initiative (CCCI). This initiative aims to support Quebec-based CCI companies in their export efforts by providing them with practical, tailored strategic tools. The CCCI stands out for its customized approach, combining one-on-one support with market intelligence.
Over a two-year period, the CCCI has supported more than 30 companies from various sectors within the cultural and creative industries. These companies reflect the richness and diversity of Montréal’s ecosystem. They include players in interior design, event mapping, fashion and accessories, music production, the music industry, video games, film, interior architecture, urban planning, and landscape design—to name just a few.
A total of 18 companies were supported in 2023-2024 and 15 more in 2024-2025, demonstrating sustained interest in this strategic export support. More than 700 hours of customized guidance were dedicated to these organizations, responding to the specific needs of each internationalization project.
For each company, support included tailored market research, the creation of prospecting lists with qualified contacts, enhancement of existing export plans, and preparation and adaptation of sales pitches to meet international expectations.
In addition to these services provided by the Business Services team, specialized expertise was brought in through partner organizations. These partners offered concrete support in areas such as digital marketing, sales force structuring and organization, intellectual property—to raise awareness about the importance of trademark protection—international taxation and business law to meet target market requirements, and international logistics to assist with export operations planning.
Export efforts targeted a variety of complementary markets, including the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and Mexico, along with other promising destinations for Montréal’s creative products and services.
In a rapidly changing global context—marked by economic uncertainty, technological advances, and shifting cultural consumption patterns—it is essential to support companies in the cultural and creative industries. These players are key to Montréal and Quebec’s international visibility, while also driving innovation and the local economy. Initiatives like the Cultural and Creative Catalyst Initiative provide concrete tools to help structure export development and strengthen resilience in the face of global challenges.
Investing in support for the cultural and creative industries means investing in a forward-looking sector that shapes Canada’s image and influence on the international stage!
Pascaline Roquemaurel
International Business Commissioner
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal