Cyril Simard, the man who has been trying to keep craft skills alive for 30 years

In 1992, the ÉCONOMUSÉE® Network Society was founded.

At the origin of the concept and the word ÉCONOMUSÉE®, there is a man, Cyril Simard, architect, designer and ethnologist.  Concerned about the threat to all traditional crafts that are gradually being replaced by industrial mass production; concerned about the uncertain fate of craftspeople and their contribution to the cultural identity of their country; and wanting to ensure the continuity of their work and the safeguarding of their art, Cyril Simard decided to complete a doctoral thesis in ethnology at Laval University.

The first ECONOMUSEE® was opened in 1988, in La Papeterie Saint-Gilles in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive (Charlevoix), which served as a laboratory to test this new theory.

In 1989, he published a popularized version of his thesis: Économuséology : Comment rentabiliser une entreprise culturelle.

In it, he described his vision of the ECONOMUSEE®, which he articulated around its six components: reception, workshop, traditional know-how, contemporary know-how, experiential component and boutique. The ERS was born with the promise that visitors would have an enriching and authentic experience by meeting a passionate artisan. This promise has remained constant for 30 years and the support provided to members is evolving in response to their growing demand.

Today, in 2022, 30 years after its creation, SRÉ is perceived as an expert in its support to small businesses. It is promoting its new brand Artisans at Work, created in 2020, so that visitors can clearly identify the network of artisans. Today, the simple ECONOMUSEE concept is no longer sufficient to cover all types of traditional artisans who need support.

”Artisans at work is an opportunity to raise awareness of artisans, local purchasing, the economic ecosystem and respect for the earth.”  Anne Monna

 The Artisans at Work experience is an opportunity to discover a trade or a practice based on know-how that has endured and evolved over time. A visit to a craftsman-entrepreneur allows the visitor to have a privileged encounter with a passionate craftsman and to learn more about the local culture. It is an opportunity to enjoy an enriching and authentic experience in one of the six concepts grouped together under the Artisans at Work brand: ECONOMUSEE®, HERITAGE SPACE, CULINARY SPACE, WORKSHOP, SHOP and DESTINATION.

In addition to providing an opportunity for human contact, the artisans-entrepreneurs in the network design and offer products based on crafts, bio-foods or traditional practices. Visitors have the chance to enhance their experience by purchasing local products made by Artisans at Work.

To date, the ENS is anchored in the tourism industry and is deployed through the various concepts. The goal is to keep it that way for the next few years, with the support of strong and impactful partners, in order to promote small local businesses and artisans.

The artisans of the network, throughout the world, are keen to open their doors to visitors, to make their trade known and to make it shine. Come and meet them, they are waiting for you!