Sustainable development is vital to the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur. In fact, in 2013 the organization received certification as a Level 2 environmentally responsible event from the Conseil québécois des événements écoresponsables. We are especially proud of this recognition, because it is tangible proof that a number of initiatives, we have put in place over the years have had positive impacts and real benefits to our surroundings on several levels.
In 2014 FASS was the recipient of the Sustainable Development Award at the Gala excellence Desjardins.
HIGHLIGHTS
On an economic level: 93% of FASS suppliers are located within a 100-km radius, with most of them in Saint-Sauveur. We have several full-time and contractual employees who live in the Laurentians, which helps to maintain local jobs.
On an environmental level: At the event site, we have taken measures to reduce and reuse immediate resources and have undertaken an administrative restructuring designed to avoid waste of all kinds, to help us repurpose materials, and to make environmentally responsible choices in our purchases.
On a social level: The Festival is fortunate to benefit from the commitment of almost 100 volunteers from the community, as well as its own internship programs. We also offer reduced rates for people under 30 and free events. Since 2022, a cultural mediation project “Mouvement de passage FASS” has been launched. This project aims to bring together dance and seniors who are losing their autonomy, living with illness or at the end of life.
With our mandate of eclectic, inclusive, accessible and original programming, FASS contributes significantly to create an environment that gives festival-goers a host of dynamic cultural experiences, which in turn fosters the development and maintenance of a creative community in an area that is primarily known for its winter sports.