About La Fab
La Fab is a vital cultural centre in the MRC des Collines and the Outaouais, dedicated to fostering artistic creation, performance, and exhibition.
As a cooperative arts hub, La Fab provides an inclusive space where artists, artisans, and performers can create, showcase, and share their work with the community. Our mission is to raise awareness of the arts, celebrate cultural heritage, and strengthen connections between artists and audiences.
Since its founding in 2010, La Fab has played a transformative role in the region’s artistic landscape. In 2021, we acquired and restored the historic Grace United Church in Chelsea, a landmark that has served the community for 150 years. This space has been revitalized as a thriving cultural centre featuring a performance/concert hall, an art gallery, a ceramics studio, a boutique for local artisans, a community kitchen, and inviting outdoor areas.
Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community engagement, La Fab serves as a catalyst for artistic expression, drawing audiences from across the region and beyond. Our organization not only provides professional opportunities for artists but also ensures that cultural experiences remain accessible to residents of all ages.
Cultural Significance and Key Achievements
Award-Winning Cultural Preservation
In 2024, La Fab received the prestigious People’s Choice Award from the Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec (CPRQ) for the restoration of Grace United Church. This recognition underscores our commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering contemporary artistic innovation.
A Hub for Performing Arts
La Fab has become a premier venue for concerts and performances due to its professional technical set-up and its unique, charming ambiance. It equipped with theatrical lighting, professional sound equipment and a Steinway piano and is gifted with outstanding acoustics. These features make la Fab a popular venue with performers and audiences alike.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Art
The world premiere of Sound Paintings/Peintures sonores in 2024 exemplified La Fab’s commitment to multidisciplinary artistic collaboration, uniting visual artists from the Chelsea-Wakefield Studio Tour with musicians from Collines-en-Musique.
A Home for Visual Arts
La Fab hosted 13 exhibitions featuring 29 regional artists, offering mentorship programs, art critique evenings, and a boutique to support local artisans. Our exhibitions and workshops enhance the cultural fabric of the region, providing critical visibility for emerging and established artists alike.
Community Cultural Partnerships
La Fab supports and hosts renowned regional arts groups, including the Castenchel Choir, Chelsea Youth Choir, Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival, Danse Chelsea Dance, Fiddleheads, and Share the Mic, reinforcing our role as a vital artistic incubator.
Cultural Significance and Key Achievements
Award-Winning Cultural Preservation
In 2024, La Fab received the prestigious People’s Choice Award from the Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec (CPRQ) for the restoration of Grace United Church. This recognition underscores our commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering contemporary artistic innovation.
A Hub for Performing Arts
La Fab has become a premier venue for concerts and performances due to its professional technical set-up and its unique, charming ambiance. It equipped with theatrical lighting, professional sound equipment and a Steinway piano and is gifted with outstanding acoustics. These features make la Fab a popular venue with performers and audiences alike.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Art
The world premiere of Sound Paintings/Peintures sonores in 2024 exemplified La Fab’s commitment to multidisciplinary artistic collaboration, uniting visual artists from the Chelsea-Wakefield Studio Tour with musicians from Collines-en-Musique.
A Home for Visual Arts
La Fab hosted 13 exhibitions featuring 29 regional artists, offering mentorship programs, art critique evenings, and a boutique to support local artisans. Our exhibitions and workshops enhance the cultural fabric of the region, providing critical visibility for emerging and established artists alike.
Community Cultural Partnerships
La Fab supports and hosts renowned regional arts groups, including the Castenchel Choir, Chelsea Youth Choir, Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival, Dance Chelsea Dance, Fiddleheads, and Share the Mic, reinforcing our role as a vital artistic incubator.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, La Fab celebrates the 150th anniversary of our historic building, underscoring its enduring significance as a gathering place for arts and culture. Recognizing the growing demand for performance and exhibition space, we are launching a feasibility study to expand our facilities, ensuring we continue to serve the region’s evolving artistic needs.
La Fab is more than a cultural space—it is the beating heart of the Outaouais arts community. By fostering new collaborations, supporting artists, and offering high-caliber programming, we ensure that the arts remain a thriving and accessible part of regional life for generations to come.
