The 80s 

In 1981, during the official opening of the first illustration children’s book contest in Québec, organized by Communication jeunesse; the founding members of the AIIQ meet for the first time. All passionate about their field, twelve illustrators realize that they share the same bounties and the injustices from the publishing community. They will meet later in a cafe on Park avenue in Montreal to share their desire to create an association. 

Why creating an association? To promote the illustration in the media, to consolidate all types of illustrators, both French and English, while promoting exchange between them to boost the quality of the production. To released the illustrator of his isolation and to offer a variety of services and information that will make them more visible and more effective. 

In 1983, the first logo was created and the AIIQ propose its official launch on January 26. Two years later, the survival kit is created (contract, code of ethics, list of fees, membership directory). 

Meanwhile, the portfolio nights begin and take place every first Friday of the month. In 1987, the first Illustration Quebec directory is produced and sent to a client list. The same year, Le Salon de illustration proposes its first edition on eleven. In 1988, the Association took an official position against the law C.60 (Law on Copyright) and Bill 78, on the status of the visual artist and Thierry Sauer offers a presentation to the committee. Early 1989, five visual arts associations come together to become an intermediate with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The proposal is that the five associations come together to share secretarial services and premises: this is the beginning of the RAAV.

The 90s 

In 1991, service between illustrators (mentoring) is established. The Association opened a chapter in Quebec, which will close after a few years due to financial problems. In the early 90's, the Association maintains his involvement with the RAAV. However, following discussions with the CALQ, the association must reposition itself and become an association of service. The RAAV is mandate by the government the issue of copyright. The latest edition of the Salon d’illustration is held and subsequently becomes La Bienniale de l'illustrations in 1998 during AIIQ's 15th anniversary. It’s during that same year that the association launches its first website in order to promote its members better. In 1999, AIIQ travel and exposes to Rome, Italy. 

2000 to present

Portfolios Nights continue. In 2000, the Association joined the Infopresses group to create the Grafika contest, then become a partner of Lux contest which highlights the best creations in illustration. In 2003, the third and final edition of La Biennale de l'illustration take place. Without sufficient funds, this activity must be abandoned despite the success it has along the public. A year later, we create the first edition of the event Orgies d’originals, which propose the exhibition and sale of artwork. In 2004, AIIQ moved to the Belgo building located in downtown Montréal. Two years later, in 2006, the association creates Les mardis modèle vivant, who will become in 2010, Les lundis modèle vivant. 

In 2007, we witness the launch of a brand new website which show online portfolios for members and guests, clear and effective search tools. AIIQ also creates a space for exhibitions in their local, where occurs a dozen exhibitions per year. This space allows, among others, to relive the mission of La Biennale and to allow the general public to discover the artwork while offering the illustrators a unique windows. In March 2008, 50 illustrators go to Toronto to present their portfolios to professionals. After a year of reorganization, it is in 2010 that the directory is published presenting a completely revamped status. We also propose new features on our new website. A more user friendly and search tools tailored specially to customer needs is presented. The Association also takes a new turn in sporting a new name "Illustration Quebec” and a new visual identity, which also review the membership categories in order to better represent their actual identity. The association continues to reach outside of Quebec, by proposing a group exhibition to the Taipei Book Fair, while preparing the second edition of the portfolio event in Toronto for Spring 2011. 

The Association has also implement various conferences in the educational institutions and also in our gallery on various topics dealing with the world of illustrator. These conferences have result, in 2008, in the redaction of the Illustrator’s survival guide. This guide was finally published in 2010 in French followed by its publication in English. Parallel to these activities, the association have created multiple partnerships. We participated with la SDGQ to the event 13 gourous et moi, we organized a portfolio event at the 2010 Salon du Livre de Montréal and will create an exhibition with Communication Jeunesse on children’s literature. 

Board of directors president's of Illustration Québec :