On Feb, 11, 2024, the Grand Théâtre de Québec and its partners, the City of Québec, Solotech, and De la Létourneau, announced that they were awarding the inaugural Bourse Karim-Ouellet to Valence. Created in September of 2023, in memory of the singer-songwriter Karim Ouellet, the Bourse aims to carry on the commitment of a man who left his mark on Québec through his words and melodies, just as much as through his kindness and support for emerging artists.
“It’s obviously an immense honour to be the recipient of the first ever Bourse Karim-Ouellet,” said Valence. “Karim excelled in the art of songwriting, through his ability to meld the intimate and the universal. His body of work is imbued with human truths and paradoxes, and offers testimony to the profound sensitivity and humanity of this late, great artist. He was a trailblazer of Québec City’s burgeoning music scene. I’d like to thank the Grand Théâtre de Québec, Karim Ouellet’s family, and the various donors for their generosity,”
Valence will receive a $7 500 cash prize, plus consulting and publicity services from communications firm De la Létourneau. He’s also won a paid performance at the Grand Théâtre de Québec in 2024, rounding out the total value of the prize to $10 000.
Applicants that weren’t selected in 2024, and all artists, are encouraged to apply again next year. Applications will open on Aug. 30, 2024, and the deadline is midnight on Dec. 1, 2024.