Stéphane Lavoie Passes the Torch to TOHU

Stéphane Lavoie has announced that he will step down from his position as General Director and Programming Director at the end of 2024. After careful consideration and discussions with the board of directors, he determined that this was the right time to hand over the reins to two new co-directors to carry forward TOHU’s mission. The organization is implementing a new leadership model: a co-leadership focused on the future.

Since 2002, Stéphane Lavoie has made significant contributions to TOHU, spearheading several landmark projects. In 2010, he played a key role in launching the Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival, the first of its kind in North America, which draws approximately 400,000 attendees each summer. This festival has served as an exceptional platform for debuting new Quebecois creations, many of which tour internationally for years. The International Market of Contemporary Circus (MICC), held each summer, brings together over 300 professionals from 26 countries and has greatly enhanced the presence of Quebecois companies both within Canada and abroad. In 2022, to help revive the downtown area, he championed the creation of the “Les Géants.es” event, which attracted 50,000 attendees this summer and showcased the talent of Quebec’s circus companies. Stéphane has also been deeply committed to the Saint-Michel community, supporting local values and fostering employment by integrating residents into TOHU’s activities.

Stéphane Lavoie has received several honors, including being named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic in 2019 and the Cultural Manager Award from the Carmelle and Rémi-Marcoux Chair in Arts Management in 2020.

A New Leadership Model: Co-Leadership

In response to this change, the board of directors began considering a co-leadership model months ago. The board decided to divide the position into two roles, a structure that is becoming increasingly common in cultural organizations.

In this new framework, the board is pleased to announce the appointment of two team members as co-directors: Vanessa Bavière as Co-General Director, Administration, and Pascale Bélanger as Interim Co-General Director, Programming. Complementary in their expertise, they each bring a unique perspective. Their experience and passion for circus arts will be invaluable in guiding TOHU towards a promising future.

This transition paves the way for new initiatives and projects that strengthen TOHU’s threefold mission — Circus, Earth, and People — and reinforce its commitment to Montreal’s artistic and civic community.

Stéphane Lavoie “After so many years at TOHU, I feel the need to contribute in new ways to the cultural growth of our city and Quebec. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire team and the board of directors for their support over the years. I am proud of what the institution represents for the circus arts and the Saint-Michel neighborhood, where it plays an essential community role. I leave with hope that TOHU will continue to inspire and unite people around our incredible circus artists and creators. I sincerely congratulate Vanessa and Pascale on their appointments, and I am confident they will lead our wonderful institution to new horizons.”

Diane Lemieux, President of the Board of Directors “The board of directors supports Stéphane’s decision with great respect and admiration. After 23 years at TOHU, his outstanding contributions have deeply shaped our institution, and we are immensely grateful to him. Determined and passionate, Stéphane has developed TOHU through various opportunities, making it indispensable. By passing the torch to two new co-directors, he sets the stage for a promising future for circus arts. I am excited for what lies ahead and happily congratulate Vanessa and Pascale on their appointments.”