We are all conscious of the fact that new media and digital arts are an unknown and newly explored territory, which we have difficulty seizing its mechanism, as well as its aesthetical, institutional and financial problematics. The links between art, science and technology are still underevaluated and probably underdeveloped. Thus it is a territory that we need to clear up, but we all perceive the strategic cultural importance.

It is difficult for the governments to evaluate the demands, the objectives, the priorities, the expected results, the archiving processes, the limits, and main trends. This Observatory may contribute usefully by creating trend indicators and comparative analysis.

Montreal, its institutions, and its artists would greatly benefit if our city becomes an international and undeniable reference in this field. Its positioning in the digital network will ensure its influence.

From this initiative we could progressively hope for an international positioning and a knowledge base whose professional quality, dynamics, and relevance will become sources of information much sought-after by many international institutions and artists, for the art councils and financial support funds supporting digital arts, even for a study on the support policies for the development of digital arts in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, but also in other countries.