<h2>VU is an artist-run centre whose mission is to promote and support research and creation in the field of photography by working with artists and contributing to the dissemination of and reflection on their work.</h2>
Since 1981, VU has foregrounded the diversity of artistic practices in photography, supported artists in the production of their work, and offered them the space and freedom to create. The centre contributes to current thinking about photography by encouraging the deepening of artistic experience through a program of varied activities.

VU offers artists and the public a program of exhibitions complemented by texts, roundtables, screenings, external projects, and activities dedicated to photography. VU is also committed to the photobook as a space for reflection and research for artists, producing books and organizing activities around the medium. Production spaces and services in digital and analogue photography are offered to artists and members of VU. Artist residencies foster the development of practices that participate in the current concerns around photography.

VU is a nonprofit organization formed and directed by a collective of artists. Its board of directors is composed of artists and professionals of visuals arts. VU is a founding member of the Méduse cooperative and of the Regroupement des centres d’artistes autogérés du Québec (RCAAQ).