Since its inception in 1994, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec has been highly active in the development of a network of centres devoted to creation, production and refresher stints offered to artists and writers to enable them to pursue their work under professional conditions. The network of studio-apartments is one way that the Conseil encourages the presence of Québec artists and their works on the international scene. It has made it possible to broaden exchanges with foreign countries and participate in the career development of numerous artists and writers the world over.