7/8/2025
A tailor-made literary training program, designed to refine one's voice, structure one's writing skills and develop a practice that matches one's professional ambitions.
Montreal, August 7, 2025 — Following a remarkable first edition that revealed four unique literary voices, the Fondation Dynastie is proud to announce the return of the A vos plumes! program, a completely free micro-program in literature for emerging writers from Black communities in Quebec. Registration is open until September 7, 2025.
Conceived as a springboard for entrepreneurial development, A vos plumes! is much more than a training course: it is an immersive experience of more than 100 hours, structured around eight modules, practical workshops, extracurricular activities and moments of literary exploration.
" Based on the enthusiastic feedback from the first cohort, we chose to expand the curriculum and focus the training on the entrepreneurial aspect of the author's profession while working on the writing of their work:
What are my rights as an author? What avenues can I explore to diversify my income? How can I build a clear positioning and consistent branding? What is the role of the publisher in the journey of a manuscript?
These are just some of the questions, and many more, that will be addressed with one goal in mind: to make the next generation of writers more autonomous, structured and confident in the face of the many possibilities of the field.
I am therefore very grateful for the renewed support of the Conseil des arts de Montréal for this second edition of À vos plumes!. — Tracy Paulotte, Head of Programs and Outreach
A first edition praised for its relevance and impact
Launched in 2024 with the support of the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the first cohort brought together the promising voices of Naïma Frank, Antoine-Samuel Maufette-Alavo, Éric Lafalaise and Rachel Chin.
At the close of the program, the public reading of an excerpt from each of their manuscripts sparked the interest of the audience present and revealed the great potential to be supported.
“ The writing residency celebrates strong, sensitive, and resolutely contemporary voices that are helping to redefine Montreal’s literary landscape. The Conseil des arts de Montréal is proud to support this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to a more equitable and representative culture. This program gives a real boost to the young generation of Black literature, providing them with concrete tools to make their voices heard. We applaud the remarkable work of the Fondation Dynastie and look forward to discovering the writers who will bring this new edition to life with brilliance. ” – Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director, Conseil des arts de Montréal
Clear objectives, a mission accomplished
The return of this firmware reflects the commitment of the Fondation Dynastie to support artists from Black communities in their professional development and to facilitate their access to established cultural networks.
“ Too often, authors have to go it alone to get their work noticed. With A vos plumes!, we’re changing the game: we’re giving them access to knowledge, mentors, and a real network to develop their literary projects and take the steps that lead to publication and professional recognition. This second edition is another opportunity to build lasting bridges between these writers and the Quebec literary industry. ” — Carla Beauvais, Director of the Fondation Dynastie
By supporting emerging literary talent, A vos plumes! pursues several objectives:
This program acts as a literary incubator where writing becomes a lever for expression, recognition and influence.
The participants are supported by Emeline Pierre, a professor of French-language literature at the University of Montreal, whose expertise lies in Francophone narratives, Caribbean crime fiction, and women's writing.
Returning as lead trainer, she will continue to support emerging authors in their writing process and the development of their work.
“ I am deeply honored to renew my commitment as a senior trainer for this second edition of À vos plumes! This program is essential because it offers a unique space where transmission, mentorship, and reflection come together to legitimize emerging literary voices from Black communities in Quebec. My mission is to support these authors in refining their voice and skills, but above all, to guide them in structuring a writing process that is both ambitious and grounded in professional reality. By combining the creative and entrepreneurial aspects of the profession, we empower them to be more autonomous and confident, ready to enrich Quebec’s literary landscape with their singular stories and unique perspectives. ” — Emeline Pierre, Senior Trainer for the À vos plumes! program
An ambitious second edition, true to its mission
For the 2025-2026 edition, four people will be selected to benefit from this training program, valued at €15,000, at no cost to them. Each participant will also receive a $1,300 scholarship, highlighting the professional dimension of the program.
Designed in collaboration with recognized trainers (Me Aicha Tohry, Vincent Brault, Niti Marcelle Mueth, Maison Seenopsis, etc.), the program will address both the creative and structural dimensions of the author's profession, focusing on transmission, support, and the sharing of experience.
The training will take place in person, from September 2025 to April 2026, on about twenty dates spread throughout the year.
Registration is open from August 7th to September 7th, 2025.
All details, eligibility criteria and application steps are available on our website.
An information session will also be held online on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. You can register here .
About
"Get your pens ready!" is a reflection on the impact literature can have on our society. Fondation Dynastie Through this program, we aim to offer personalized support to emerging authors, enabling them to realize their writing and publishing projects. It's a springboard for those eager to tell stories, imagine, and make their voices heard.
For any questions regarding the program, you can write to us at: contact@fondationdynastie.com
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ABOUT THE FONDATION DYNASTIE
There Fondation Dynastie The Foundation works to achieve more equitable and meaningful representation of Black communities in the arts, culture, and media. Through various initiatives, the organization seeks to break down barriers, create opportunities that promote the visibility and recognition of talent from these communities, and reduce inequalities in the representation of Black communities in the cultural and media sectors. The Foundation also supports the development and professionalization of emerging talent.
Source
Fondation Dynastie
Alexandra Coste
Head of Communications
communications@fondationdynastie.com