François Vallée, new Head, Exhibitions, receives the Prix Relève 2023 from the SMQ

Montreal, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 – The McCord Stewart Museum is pleased to announce that François Vallée, Project Manager, Exhibitions, has been awarded the Prix Relève 2023 by the Société des musées du Québéc (SMQ). The exhibitions Hochelaga – Evolving Montreal, Alexander Henderson – Art and Nature, Disraeli Revisited and Christian Dior, as well as the relocation of the Stewart Museum’s collection, are just some of the many projects François has lead since joining the Museum’s team in 2019, and which convinced the jury. In addition to this honour, François has been promoted to the position of Head, Exhibitions. He replaces Geneviève Lafrance, who will be retiring on October 27, after more than 32 years with the McCord Stewart Museum. He will officially assume his new role on October 23.

A curious and passionate young professional, François has a perfect grasp of the content of every project he undertakes, and understands how to fulfil institutional objectives. Keen to reach the public through innovative mediation and exhibition techniques, he supports the work of the Museum’s various teams with kindness and tact.
“I’m very honoured to receive this award. The projects I’ve been lucky enough to work on so far were made possible by the commitment and perseverance of experienced and varied teams. It’s a real privilege to work alongside talented and brilliant people on a daily basis, in a milieu as dynamic as that of museology. I am humbled to accept the position of Head, Exhibitions at the McCord Stewart Museum. I look forward to continuing the remarkable work of the exhibitions team, and in participating in the development of a rich, rigorous and ambitious programme,” explains François Vallée.

“The Museum is proud to see a member of its team rewarded in this way by the SMQ. The recent exhibition Hochelaga – Evolving Montreal, conceived by Joannie Lafrenière and skilfully and efficiently organized by François, is a perfect illustration of the innovative and sensitive museology presented at the Museum thanks to highly qualified and committed staff. I am certain that he will take up the post of Head of Exhibitions with brio. His team spirit, strategic vision, energy, creativity and determination in the face of challenges are undeniable assets for the development and production of exhibition programming. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Geneviève Lafrance for her exceptional contribution to the Museum’s mission over the past three decades,” adds Anne Eschapasse, President and CEO of the McCord Stewart Museum.

Prix Relève 2023

This award recognizes an SMQ member with less than seven years of professional experience who demonstrates exceptional skill. The recipient’s achievements in the museum field must demonstrate exceptional mastery of the knowledge required in the profession.

François Vallée, Head, Exhibitions

François Vallée holds a master’s degree in museum studies from the Université du Québec à Montréal, obtained after completing the master’s program in history. He previously held the positions of Historical Development Manager and Museum and Heritage Coordinator at SODECT, a non-profit organization that manages the Théâtre du Vieux-Terrebonne, Île-des-Moulins and Maison Bélisle. In 2019, he joined the McCord Stewart Museum team as Project Manager, where he managed several major projects, including the exhibitions Christian Dior; Alexander Henderson – Art and Nature; Disraeli Revisited; and Hochelaga – Evolving Montreal, as well as the Stewart Museum’s collection relocation.